DANBURY – The Danbury Fair, one of Connecticut’s premier shopping destinations, will be the site of the pizza capital of the state as Sally’s Apizza will join the culinary selection there in two years.
The New Haven-based restaurant announced construction will begin at the mall to create the state’s largest pizza restaurant. The restaurant also has numerous other locations including Fairfield, Stamford, Wethersfield and Farmington. Coming soon will be opening sites in Norwalk, South Windsor, Newington, and at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket.
“Danbury is thrilled to welcome Sally’s Apizza, an iconic Connecticut name, to our community,” said Mayor Roberto Alves. “We truly appreciate our strong partnership with Danbury Fair’s leadership as they continue to reimagine and invest in the future of this destination.”
Construction of the new 8,500-square-foot restaurant will begin in 2026 for a tentative 2027 grand opening. The restaurant will occupy a key location between Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Cheesecake Factory, and Round1 Bowling & Arcade.
“Located in a prime position at Danbury Fair, the new Sally’s Apizza restaurant design brings fresh energy to the property and adds an inviting new destination for the community,” said Mackenzie Fontaine, Danbury Fair general manager. Some of the features of Sally’s Apizza include a full cocktail bar, unique music memorabilia adorning the walls, and classic Italian favorites made “The Sally’s Way.”
Sally’s Apizza (pronounced “ah-beetz”as a nod to the Italian old school term and the traditional New-Haven-Style pizza) was founded in 1938 by Savatore “Sally” Consiglio in New Haven. It offers authentic handcrafted New Haven-style pizza based on original recipes made in custom-designed ovens.
The restaurant is acclaimed by customers all over the world for its distinctive tomato sauce and chewy, crispy crust with an iconic oven-kissed char. The brand has been expanding throughout the Northeast with an elevated bar restaurant experience featuring its world-famous apizza, Italian entrees, pastas, salads, craft cocktails, and more.
“We’re thrilled to see Danbury Fair welcome Sally’s Apizza. This exciting addition highlights Macerich’s commitment to bringing high-quality dining and destination experiences to our region,” said Maura Ruby, president and CEO, Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. “The development will generate multifaceted job opportunities, from construction and vendor services to restaurant staffing, and will expand Backus Avenue’s entertainment and dining options. It will serve as a welcoming destination for families and visitors alike.”
According to Ruby, the new restaurant will have a strong economic impact.
“As the city’s No. 1 tax generator, Danbury Fair continues to be a vital economic engine, and the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce values our strong partnership with key economic players like Macerich as we support developments that strengthen our local economy and elevate our business community,” said Ruby. “This brand gives the surrounding regional market another reason to choose Danbury as their recreation and dining destination.”
Sally’s Apizza joins the dynamic retail mix at Danbury Fair, which includes Coach, Pop Mart, and Perfumania, along with future openings including Offline by Aerie and Jack & Jones set for completion by the end of 2025.
“With a premier restaurant space at the forefront of Danbury Fair, our leasing team was thoughtful in selecting a partner that reflects the quality and experience we aim to offer. Sally’s Apizza’s approach to food, design, and hospitality aligns seamlessly with our long-term vision for the center,” said Eric Bunyan, senior vice president of leasing, Macerich.
