The oldest pizzeria in Fairfield County is celebrating 90 years of operation and three generations of family ownership.

Jennie's Pizzeria, located at 380 Monroe Turnpike, was founded in 1935. The business is currently run by brothers Al and Rich DeSimone. It passed down through their family because of their grandfather, Alfonzo DeSimone.

In 1910, Alfonzo and his wife immigrated to America from Naples, Italy, and settled in Bridgeport. Alfonzo was a baker and opened a bakery on Madison Avenue in Bridgeport. As his business grew, Alfonzo was able to support his friend, who wanted to open a restaurant in the area. The restaurant was named after his friend's wife, Jennie. Several years later, Alfonzo's friend fell on hard times, leading him and the DeSimone family to take over.

The business moved locations three times before settling in Monroe. Its current location allowed Jennie's to expand with a restaurant, bar and a separate entrance for a takeout business.

Aside from being the oldest pizzeria in Fairfield County, Jennie's also ranks 17th in the country as one of the oldest pizzerias.

"My grandfather is the one who, you know, his dough, the recipes, showed everybody how to make pizza in the oven," said Al DeSimone, co-owner of Jennie's.

As the restaurant celebrates this milestone, they believe the quality of their product and their loyal customers are what keep them going every day.

Rich said he sought a different career path decades ago but eventually realized that helping his family with the business was his true passion.

"We have an intention of carrying on. We're now doing our dressings and our sauce that we're bottling. We make all our own salad dressings, all our own sauces," DeSimone said.

The celebration will continue this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, the 90th takeout order each day is free. On Sunday, Nov. 23, nine customers will win $90 Jennie's gift cards.