Nestled in the heart of Moody, Alabama, Carpenetti’s Pizza has carved out a reputation as a culinary cornerstone since its founding in 1997. Located at 740 Park Ave, this unassuming pizzeria has become synonymous with authenticity, passion, and New York-style craftsmanship, earning accolades like “Bama’s Best Pizza” through decades of dedication. What began as a humble venture in a cramped space behind a CVS Pharmacy—affectionately dubbed “the hole”—has blossomed into a beloved institution, thanks to owner Frank Carpenetti’s unwavering commitment to quality and community.

Frank’s journey to pizza mastery is a story of reinvention and resilience. A former machinist from Watertown, New York, he relocated to Moody for work but found himself at a crossroads when the job fell through. Rather than retreating north, he channeled his frustration into a lifelong dream: crafting the kind of pizza he craved but couldn’t find in Alabama. “I don’t like conveyor belt pizza,” Frank explains, referencing the mass-produced pies common in chain restaurants. Instead, he focused on hand-tossed dough, slow-simmered sauces, and brick-fired ovens, techniques honed through his Italian heritage and a desire to bring a slice of New York to the South.

The evolution of Carpenetti’s Pizza mirrors Frank’s tenacity. After two-and-a-half years in its original location, the pizzeria moved across U.S. 411 to a strip mall, then later to its current home on Park Avenue—a former barbecue joint repurposed to house its signature ovens. The serendipitous fit of the brick ovens into the old pit space, with just an inch-and-a-half to spare, feels emblematic of the business’s knack for turning challenges into triumphs. Today, the aroma of charred crust and melted mozzarella wafts through the dining room, where locals and visitors alike gather under memorabilia-lined walls that tell the story of a quarter-century legacy.

Winning the title of Alabama’s best pizza in 2021 wasn’t just a milestone—it was validation. “We gave them everything we could to wow the judges,” Frank recalls, emphasizing the meticulous preparation that went into the competition. The victory underscored what regulars already knew: Carpenetti’s balances tradition with innovation, offering classics like pepperoni and margherita alongside creative specials. Each pie reflects Frank’s hands-on approach, from dough proofed daily to toppings sourced with care.

Beyond the food, Carpenetti’s thrives as a community hub. Regulars are greeted by name, newcomers are welcomed like family, and the phone (+1 205-640-6777) rings steadily with takeout orders. The restaurant’s success lies not just in its recipes but in its ethos—a belief that great pizza is meant to be shared. Whether it’s a post-game celebration or a quiet weeknight dinner, the dining room buzzes with the warmth of shared stories and laughter.

For Frank, the journey has always been about more than business. “I love it here,” he says, reflecting on his decision to plant roots in Moody. That sentiment permeates every aspect of Carpenetti’s Pizza, from the crisp crust to the friendly banter behind the counter. It’s a place where heritage meets heart, where every slice tells a story of perseverance, and where a simple pizza joint became a cornerstone of Alabama’s culinary landscape.