From Greece to Mystic
The Zelepos family came to the United States from Greece in 1971. Their father learned to make pizza working nights in a Greek pizzeria, and the family opened Mystic Pizza in 1973.
SHORT DOCUMENTARY
The family behind the Mystic pizzeria that inspired a movie.
A Shuta Productions mini-documentary • Featured on Mystic Pizza’s website
The Zelepos family came to the United States from Greece in 1971. Their father learned to make pizza working nights in a Greek pizzeria, and the family opened Mystic Pizza in 1973.
Screenwriter Amy Jones knew the pizzeria and made it the setting for her story. The family recalls showing the filmmakers how they made their pizza and seeing the restaurant recreated on set. The 1988 release brought a new wave of visitors.
The film returns to what the restaurant means to the people who built it. The family reflects on the work their parents put in, the warmth they want guests to feel, and the pride of seeing a third generation carry it forward.
Tell me who you need to reach and what you want them to do next. We’ll talk through what to film and where to use it.
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