The Story of Mama’s Boy Pizza & The Underground Pepperoni Mine

Oakland, California, is home to some of the best pizza on the West Coast, and at the heart of it all is Mama’s Boy Pizza, a local favorite known for its legendary pepperoni pies. But behind every great slice is an even greater story—one that involves an infamous mobster, a hidden underground pepperoni mine, and a secret supply chain that has fueled Oakland’s pizza scene for decades.

The Discovery: A Mobster’s Backyard Secret

Back in the 1920s, a notorious East Bay mobster named Frankie “The Cheese” Calabrese ran an underground gambling ring in Oakland. Frankie was a man of many talents, but his true passion—besides making money—was pizza. Raised by a Sicilian mother who made the best marinara sauce in town, he had an obsession with finding the perfect ingredients.

Legend has it that one evening, while tending to his tomato garden behind his Oakland hideout, he struck something unusual in the dirt. A deep red, cured, and spiced chunk of meat. Curious, he dug deeper, only to uncover a vast underground pepperoni deposit—a naturally occurring phenomenon that had somehow formed beneath his property.

The Rise of Frankie’s Pepperoni Empire

Seeing an opportunity, Frankie kept his discovery a secret. He called in his closest associates—chefs, butchers, and black-market distributors—to harvest and refine what would become the finest pepperoni in the country. With the help of some “creative accounting” and a few well-placed friends, Frankie built a pepperoni empire that supplied the best pizzerias in Oakland and beyond.

One of his earliest and most loyal customers? Mama’s Boy Pizza.

The Mama’s Boy Connection

Mama’s Boy Pizza, established in the 1930s by an Italian immigrant family, was known for its thin, crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and a pepperoni unlike any other. Locals couldn’t get enough of it. What they didn’t know was that their secret ingredient came straight from Frankie’s underground mine.

For decades, Mama’s Boy Pizza thrived, quietly receiving deliveries from Frankie’s private supply. While competitors scrambled for ordinary store-bought toppings, Mama’s Boy had an exclusive deal with Oakland’s most mysterious (and delicious) underground operation.

The Disappearance & The Legacy

In the 1960s, Frankie “The Cheese” mysteriously vanished, leaving his pepperoni empire in limbo. Some say he skipped town to avoid heat from the feds. Others believe he was “retired” by rival gangs. But the most intriguing theory? He’s still down there—guarding the last of his legendary pepperoni supply.

Even though Frankie disappeared, Mama’s Boy Pizza remained, keeping his legacy alive by perfecting the pepperoni pizza that Oakland loves today.

Try the Infamous Pepperoni for Yourself

Want a taste of Oakland’s most legendary pizza? Mama’s Boy Pizza still serves the same signature pepperoni recipe that dates back to Frankie’s secret operation. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a slice of Mama’s Boy is a must-try.

So the next time you bite into that crispy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned pepperoni pizza, remember—you’re not just eating a slice of pie. You’re tasting history.

👉 Order now and experience the legend for yourself!