Sal Natale has a simple slogan: “Pizza is Good, But Love Is It.”
The pizzeria owner puts his motto into practice at Pugsley Pizza, a popular hang out for students at nearby Fordham University and for Belmont residents. Natale frequently jokes with customers and is known to play the saxophone or trumpet and sing karaoke with students in the middle of the E. 191st Street shop.
Pugsley’s is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night snacking. On weekends and Tuesday nights (many Fordham students do not have class on Wednesday) the pizza joint is open until 4 a.m. to accommodate the late-night bar crowd.
Natale, who has been in business for more than 40 years, runs the pizzeria with his wife, Pina, son Pietro and daughter Alessandra. Though he says Pietro may eventually take over, Natale has no plans to give up his business just yet.
