For six decades, Joseph’s Pizza Parlor has been a cornerstone of the Fox Chase neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. Opened in 1967 on Oxford Avenue, the family‑run eatery still boasts the original patent‑leather booths, Tiffany lamps and stained‑glass accents that give it an unmistakably old‑school atmosphere.
Owner Matthew Yeck Keeps Tradition Alive
Matthew Yeck, who took over the business five years ago, says the parlor feels like a living memory bank for the community. “Everybody either had their first date here, got their first job here, or came here after they got married,” Yeck recalls. “When I was seven, we used to have all of our soccer parties in the back room. This place is a neighborhood institution.”
The Secret Behind the Pizza
Yeck admits that perfecting the pizza pie was no easy task, but he believes he has finally cracked the code. “What separates our pizza from everybody else’s pizza is the dough,” he explains. The dough is a naturally fermented sourdough made with organic flour and a touch of whole‑wheat flour, giving it a subtle, nutty flavor that Yeck likens to “eating pizza on a really good Italian bread.”
From there, the recipe stays simple and classic: fresh tomato sauce, a blend of pizza seasonings (including a few family secrets), generous heaps of whole‑milk mozzarella, and a final shave of Grana Padano for an extra kick. The result is a crust that is both crisp and chewy, topped with melt‑in‑your‑mouth cheese.
New Menu Item: The “Alicia Vitarelli” White Pie
During the visit, the author was invited to craft a personal pizza, which has now earned a permanent spot on the menu. Named the “Alicia Vitarelli,” the white pie features mozzarella, dried figs, ricotta, prosciutto and a drizzle of hot honey, all seasoned with the parlor’s secret blend.
Expanding the Space: Moonstruck and Ciao
Beyond pizza, Joseph’s family is expanding its footprint. The adjacent Moonstruck venue is being transformed into a private‑members‑only dining hall, while the upstairs event space, called Ciao, now hosts game‑day tailgate parties under the banner “Ciao is for the Birds.” The space offers an all‑you‑can‑eat buffet for $25, catering to sports fans and families alike.
A Community Hub for Generations
Joseph’s Pizza Parlor remains more than a restaurant; it is a gathering place where generations of Fox Chase residents have celebrated milestones. Whether it’s a first date, a new job, or a post‑wedding dinner, the parlor continues to provide a welcoming setting that honors both tradition and the evolving tastes of its loyal patrons.
As the business looks ahead, Yeck says the focus will stay on quality ingredients, family‑friendly service, and preserving the nostalgic charm that has kept locals coming back for six decades.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
