Photo courtesy of Pitruco Pizza.

Pitruco Pizza, the wood-fired pizza operation with deep roots in University City, is celebrating its 15th anniversary next week by thanking customers with throwback 2011 prices, retired menu items, and free t-shirts.

Childhood friends Jonah Fliegelman and Nathan Winkler-Rhoades launched Pitruco in 2011 after mounting a one-ton wood-fired oven onto a bright red trailer. Early on, the truck became a regular fixture at 33rd and Arch streets (as well as LOVE Park), where Fliegelman was known to hand out umbrellas to customers waiting in line on rainy days.

Over the years, Pitruco deepened its ties to the neighborhood—including partnering with longtime Penn hangout Smokey Joe’s in 2013 to launch the kitchen operation Enjay’s Pizza, and later opening a permanent kiosk inside Franklin’s Table food hall (3401 Walnut St.) alongside their mobile truck operation. Pitruco has also been a frequent supporter and sponsor of local community events across West Philly.

“When we started Pitruco, we had no idea where that little red trailer would take us,” Winkler-Rhoades said. “Fifteen years later, we’re still here, still making pizza, and still proud to call Philadelphia home. None of that happens without the people who showed up for us, so this week is our way of saying thank you.”

Anniversary Week Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 16 (5 – 7 p.m.) at Franklin’s Table (3401 Walnut St.):

Pitruco will kick off the celebration by bringing back two popular items from its original 2018 Franklin’s Table menu—meatball sandwiches and chicken wings—for the first time since before the pandemic. Complimentary portions will be handed out while supplies last, along with limited-edition 15th-anniversary t-shirts designed by a longtime friend of the owners.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Friday, Nov. 20 (Various locations):

The Pitruco truck will serve its original menu at its original 2011 prices, with pizzas starting at $6.50. Limited-edition t-shirts will also be given away at every truck stop; customers can reserve a shirt ahead of time through Pitruco’s online ordering platform to pick up during their visit.

For the full truck schedule and online ordering details, visit pitrucopizza.com.