Regina Pizzeria
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant, Pizza chain |
| Founded | January 1, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Founder | Luigi D'Auria |
| Headquarters | Woburn , United States |
Area served | New England |
Key people | Polcari family (managers since 1956) |
| Products | Pizza |
| Parent | Boston Restaurant Associates |
Regina Pizzeria, also referred to as Pizzeria Regina, is a New England-based pizza chain that originated in 1926 when Luigi D'Auria opened its first location in Boston's North End. Since 1956, the Polcari family has managed the business. The company is affiliated with Boston Restaurant Associates and has its main office situated in Woburn, Massachusetts.
The original establishment at 11 1/2 Thacher Street continues to serve as the flagship outlet. Regina Pizzeria is known for prioritizing fresh ingredients, preparing its dough and sausage each day.
History
Established under the name Regina Pizza—which translates to "Queen Pizza" in Italian—the brand holds the distinction of being Boston's oldest pizzeria. Following the death of Luigi D'Auria, ownership passed to his grandson, who later sold the business to the Polcari family in 1956.
In May 2015, the parent company sought bankruptcy protection, resulting in the closure of four locations that were underperforming and generating savings of $70,000 per month. The company also intended to renegotiate leases at various mall-based sites.
By 2018, Regina Pizzeria received recognition from TripAdvisor as the top pizza restaurant in the United States; however, some reviewers suggest that this accolade reflects its longstanding reputation more than its culinary quality.