BIZNOTE: Pizzeria 22 founder announces restaurant’s new owner

After 13 years, Cary Kemp has sold Pizzeria 22. Here’s the announcement he sent us about the change for the Admiral District restaurant (4213 SW College):

It is with great excitement and a heavy heart that I announce the sale of my beloved restaurant Pizzeria 22.

I’m grateful and so happy to inform you all that I am selling Pizzeria 22 to our former Front of House and Bar Manager of 5 years Brandi Pierce. Brandi has remained on our books over the years and is very excited to take over the reins at Pizzeria 22 as the new owner. Please don’t fret, as Pizzeria 22 will continue on with the same name, menu, and most importantly, our amazing staff.

I want to thank the residents of Seattle, West Seattle, and North Admiral for supporting me and my family for the last 13 years. I have seen a generation of children grow up eating our pizza, some of whom have come to work their first job at Pizzeria 22. I have so many regular customers that have become family to me over the years. Both of my daughters have worked at Pizzeria 22 and my oldest daughter Plum will continue on working with Brandi in this new exciting era of Neapolitan Pizza.

Since our opening on June 30th, 2011, Pizzeria 22 remains the only VPN Certified pizzeria in West Seattle. We still import the Caputo “00” flour and world-famous San Marzano Tomatoes from Napoli and our wood-fired oven was also built and shipped to us from Naples as well. I can guarantee you that Brandi is dedicated to continuing these age-old traditions and will continue sourcing the best Italian ingredients.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank Chef Daniel, our head pizziolo at Pizzeria 22. Daniel has worked our oven and been our leader in the kitchen since the day we opened over 13 years ago. His dedication and commitment to making the best pizza in Seattle has been unparalleled in our business. Daniel is excited to continue executing the menu at 22, as well as developing our Monthly Special Menu which we started last year.

I hope you all will continue to support Brandi and Pizzeria 22 and again, thank you for continued support over the years. I won’t miss the stress, but I will surely miss seeing you at Pizzeria 22.

(Image: 2011 WSB photo of Cary from just before Pizzeria 22 opened)

9 Replies to "BIZNOTE: Pizzeria 22 founder announces restaurant's new owner"

  • Pieguy71 August 7, 2024 (8:11 pm)

    Bravo! 

  • DemandCurve August 7, 2024 (9:25 pm)

    This how it is supposed to be done in a society that has an eye to the  future, best luck to former and new owner.

  • hightide August 7, 2024 (11:06 pm)

    The opening of Pizzeria 22 in 2011 marked big step forward in WS cuisine in general and pizza in particular. Finally a proper pizza could be had in WS. Carl made delicious cocktails and Daniel was a genius at the oven. Cary paid close attention to the details of the restaurant’s design and kept it tv free. It’s good to hear that the tradition will continue.Thanks for providing a great spot for community to gather, Cary!

  • Bob Piper August 8, 2024 (8:57 am)

    Not just the best pizza in Seattle: the best pizza anywhere!  Congrats to owners new and old.

    • Elton August 8, 2024 (3:59 pm)

      +1 to this – love this spot and glad it will live on!

    • Gay August 8, 2024 (8:13 pm)

      Anywhere?

  • Dave August 8, 2024 (10:31 am)

    I remember when he first opened the pizzaria that Neil Young made a visit there and a pic was posted on the blog of his visit. Wonder if you can find that pic and repost. ;I recall the story line that Cary was once on Neil’s road crew.

  • RLV August 8, 2024 (5:47 pm)

    Cary, thanks for bringing one of my favorite places into the world and making it happen in West Seattle. May your stress level drop a whole lot.Brandi, thank you for taking over and carrying on the legacy. See you soon!

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