#10: Sbarro
In 1956, Italian immigrants Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro brought a taste of Italy to Brooklyn, opening their first salumeria in Bensonhurst. What started as a small deli quickly grew into something bigger—a full-fledged pizza empire.
By 1970, Sbarro had expanded into mall food courts, making its mark at Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza and later at the iconic World Trade Center. For decades, their slices became a go-to for shoppers and travelers alike. Though the 9/11 attacks closed their World Trade Center location, Sbarro’s legacy endured.