PIZZA KING'S PIE-O-MATIC PIZZA MACHINE Dateline: Mid 1950s - 132 Middletown Avenue, North Haven CT... Lew Cenotti shown above with his invention, the worlds first Pizza Vending Machine. Keep in mind, this machine which was invented by Lew in the mid 1950's, was featured at the Worlds Fair, and has yet to be duplicated some decades later. Lew went on to create and market what was, to the best of my knowledge, the world first frozen pizza, which was sold in grocery stores under the “Pizza King” label. Some years later, Lew became well known for making the best tasting pizza in all of West Haven, which is located in Connecticut, at “Lew's Apizza”. The family pizzeria was owned and operated by Lew and his lovely wife Louise who provided him with all the love and support that a man could ask for as well as 3 sons, Lenny, Phil and Steve. Lew also created the extremely popular “Atomic Sub”, similar to today's calzone, but better tasting and always freshly baked when ordered using Lew's hand tossed dough. It was a big seller at Lew's Apizza. While Lew Cenotti only had what amounted to an eighth grade formal education, he was a man well ahead of his time as his accomplishments mentioned above shows, but he was also Spiritually way ahead of his time. The Spiritual Truths he spoke about, and tried to teach us, his sons, as well as others so many years ago have just become accepted and popular by people all over the world only during the past few years, and many are getting rich giving seminars and selling tapes teaching what Lew taught anyone willing to listen (regrettably most weren’t) for free. I have yet to this very day, been able to find a pizza that tastes even half as good, both the crust and the toppings, and is anywhere near as large as one of his, or a pizza restaurant that has the wonderful aromas of his fresh baking bread, large meatballs, and the best pizza sauce I ever tasted. FRONT VIEW OF PIE-O-MATIC PIZZA MACHINE It really did work too. You put in your coins, If I remember correctly, it was about seventy five cents, chose the type of pizza you wanted by pushing the corresponding button, and before you knew it you had a delicious, mouth watering real pizza, which of course was a bit smaller than what you got in Lew's pizzeria. OPEN-DOOR VIEW OF PIZZA MACHINE Here you can see a very small portion of the inside of the pizza machine. It was pretty complex for it's time, although you can’t really appreciate that due to the quality and age of these photos. Also, they were taken with a camera that wasn’t exactaly state-of-the-art equipment even at that time. Lew’s Pizzeria Slide Show Photos In Order Shown Old Lew’s Apizza Renovated Lew's Apizza Lew making a pizza Mrs. Lew serving a pizza Lew’s last day Back To Top of Page Personal Note To Family And Friends: I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the pictures and that they brought back some happy memories. I also hope that they generated a great deal of pride in Lew, our Dad, for being able to create it, as well as his other accomplishments, and especially for Louise, our Mom as well, who not only helped Dad in his business but raised us at the same time while dealing with some tough health issues. Both of our parents went through a lot, before, during, and after the pizza machine's creation for which I know we will be eternally grateful. About The Author: This article was written by Lenny Cenotti of Creative Solutions by L&L Cenotti, in loving memory of his beloved Father, Lewis Cenotti, who crossed over January 6, 1991. VISIT THE CENOTTI FAMILY WEBSITES        FAMILY SITES Website by Lenny Cenotti Website by Luana Cenotti Website by Steven Cenotti Philip Cenotti’s “Mystery Books” FAMILY SITES (Banners by Lenny Cenotti) We Want To Thank You