Pizza Nova marks 60th anniversary with donation to Scarborough, Ont., hospitals

Toronto – Family-owned and -operated pizza brand Pizza Nova celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 25 by making a $1-million dollar donation to Scarborough Health Network Foundation in front of nearly 500 friends, family, franchisees and partners.

Held outdoors at the new support office at 1260 Lawrence Ave. E. in Scarborough, just four kilometres away from the chain’s first location, the event included bocce ball, photo booths, speeches and a live performance from Alfie Zappacosta singing the iconic 439 jingle originally recorded in 1987 by the Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter.

“It’s a proud and emotional day for me to be able to celebrate this incredible milestone with so many members of our extended Pizza Nova family,” said Sam Primucci, who co-founded Pizza Nova in 1963 with his brothers. “We could not have enjoyed such success and longevity without the support of employees, franchisees, partners, and members of our communities, who have believed in our mission of sharing our beloved recipes and traditions and giving back to the communities in which we work, live and thrive. Grazie a tutti.”

To commemorate the occasion, and honour the Scarborough community, the company surprised guests with the announcement of a $1-million dollar donation to Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation. The funding will help create an innovative diagnostic imaging department at Toronto General Hospital.

“We are tremendously grateful to Pizza Nova and the Primucci family for their support. As a Scarborough-born business, it is inspiring to welcome a $1 million donation from Pizza Nova that will improve diagnostic imaging at our General Hospital and support the Scarborough community,” said Alicia Vandermeer, president and CEO of SHN Foundation.

Domenic Primucci, president, grew up in Scarborough and is an active volunteer and longtime supporter of the Love Scarborough Campaign, whose mission is to provide Scarborough residents with equal access to optimal health care.

“Today, not only do we stand by our promise of providing traditional, quality food, we are privileged to be in the position to give back to the special community we have called home for over 60 years. I am so proud.”

Pizza Nova has numerous exciting campaigns scheduled to run throughout the year. Customers, partners, and employees can enjoy limited edition pizza boxes, a jingle remake contest, an exclusive line of 60th anniversary merchandise and more.