Candela History
New York has Ray's
Chicago has Pizzeria Uno
Princeton has Candela
Candela celebrates their
50th year of serving pizza
and Italian entrees of only
the freshest caliber in
the greater Princeton area.
For over forty years, the Candela family has expertly prepared authentic Italian recipes the same way they did in their famed forni del mattone (brick ovens) of Italy. In many cases, even the ingredients have stayed the same: when possible, all Candela tomatoes and cheeses are imported from Italy and simmered into the fresh sauce that adorns Candela cheese and gourmet pizzas, as well as several of their signature entrees.
The Candelas came to the United States from Sicily in 1959. Facing the typical hardships of immigrating to America during the 50s, Vito Candela was eager to make a living doing what he knew best; utilizing his intimate knowledge of traditional Italian cuisine to bring the flavors of Sicily to America.
To fulfill his dream of opening his own restaurant, Vito took a job as a laborer in New York City, working long hours in tough conditions to earn enough capital to open a restaurant. Vicious New York City winters were no match for Vito, as his determination proved more powerful than the bitter cold of the city streets.
Vito toiled for nine long years living and working in the rough city of New York. Finally, with the partnership of three brothers-in-law, Vito was able to open a restaurant in 1968. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, just south of Princeton, New Jersey's historic habitué and home of the renowned Princeton University, Vito and his brothers opened Peter Brothers Italian Restaurant. However, with virtually no initial base of customers and contacts in the area, it initially proved to be a difficult process.
Developing an authentic Italian flare and a quality family atmosphere, Peter Brothers finally began to flourish. The success enabled Vito to purchase the other shares in the restaurant and in 1978 he renamed it Candela Ristorante. Since then the Candela family has become a staple in the greater Princeton area and remains the oldest pizzeria in Lawrence Township.
In 2006, they expanded their pizza prowess to a second Candela on Quakerbridge Road in Lawrence Township, just South of Route 1 and the Quakerbridge Mall. Come experience the authentic, cooked-to-order perfection of a Candela custom pizza, authentic Italian entree or sub and you'll taste why it's not only our slogan, but our promise: There's Always A Candela In The Kitchen™.
