In April of 1963, Pudgie’s Pizza, Pasta & Subs opened its very first location in Elmira, NY. What started as a small pizza and sub shop quickly grew into a name that families across the region came to know and love.

The founder, Michael P. Cleary, Sr., brought with him a vision built on hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance. His belief was simple but powerful: deliver quality food at a reasonable price while giving the community true value, quality, and service. This formula filled a gap in the fast-food industry and set Pudgie’s apart.

By 1972, Michael founded Pudgie’s Pizza Franchising Corp., and later M.P. Cleary, Inc. in 1989. The brand’s success was undeniable—by the end of 1975, Pudgie’s 12 locations achieved more than $5 million in sales, an impressive feat for such a young food chain at the time.

After Michael Sr.’s untimely passing in 1990, his wife Rosa and sons Michael Jr., David, John, and Robert carried forward his legacy. From that point on, all Pudgie’s locations became family-owned and operated. The Elmira Southside Pudgie’s became the cornerstone location and remains the premier pizzeria in the area to this day.

For more than six decades, Pudgie’s has remained committed to its roots: providing delicious pizza, pasta, and subs with the same ambition and desire that started it all. Today, the Cleary family continues to lead Pudgie’s with the same dedication to excellence, ensuring that each meal served honors the tradition of its founder.

As pizza has grown into one of America’s favorite foods, Pudgie’s has grown right along with it. Our belief is clear—great food brings people together, and that will always be at the heart of what we do.