Italian Pizzeria III

From the scent of warm, wood-fired crust greeting customers as they walk through the door, to the wooden walls, lined from top to bottom with photographs, custom Carolina jerseys, and other mementoes— a slice from Italian Pizzeria III feels like a slice of home. 

“At IP3,” co-owner Angelo Marrone says, “We treat customers like family.” This sentiment has undoubtedly fueled the restaurant’s success, as Italian Pizzeria III has now served over 44 years of customers, earning its title as the longest-running pizza joint on Franklin Street. ¹

Residing at 508 W. Franklin Street, the restaurant first opened its doors to Chapel Hill residents in 1980. Founded by Cipriano Illiano, the Franklin Street storefront of Italian Pizzeria was the third restaurant location, hence the name IP3. ²

Before IP3’s arrival, this same spot housed a series of businesses. In the early 1950s, it was home to the PTA Thrift Shop, a resale store supporting local schools.³ By the late 1970s, the thrift shop had relocated, and Magdalena’s Mexican Restaurant took its place, one of the first Mexican restaurants on Franklin Street.? In the 1990s, the address was listed as India Palace Restaurant, while IP3 operated next door at 510 W. Franklin, sharing the same small brick building.?

Bernard Bryant’s 1998 compilation, Occupants and Structures of Franklin Street, places Italian Pizzeria Three at 510 W. Franklin and India Palace at 508, suggesting that the two operated side by side.? Later directories and business listings show IP3 consolidated into the 508 address, where it remains today.

In 2000, Angelo and Vincenzo Marrone, who had come to Chapel Hill from Italy seeking opportunity, purchased the business.? Their warmth, humor, and love for Carolina sports quickly made them beloved figures downtown.

Beyond serving authentic pizza, IP3 has become a social hub for students and locals alike. The Marrone brothers often encourage fans to stop by after Carolina games to share a slice and a story.

Cheering for Soccer: The “IP3 Guys” (Won’t Embed)

In recent years, IP3 has become synonymous with the student dining experience at the University, with Chase Dining Hall serving their pizza, making the restaurant an integral part of Chapel Hill’s culinary landscape.

Citations

Marrone, Angelo. Interview by Lilian Guglielmo, November 11, 2025.

Arts Everywhere UNC. “Italian Pizzeria III.” 2020.

CommunityWorx. “PTA Thrift Shop History.” Chapel Hill, 1952.

The Daily Tar Heel. “Restaurant Listings.” Chapel Hill, late 1970s–early 1980s.

Bryant, Bernard L. Jr. Occupants and Structures of Franklin Street. Chapel Hill Historical Society, 1998.

Stringer, Jessica. “Italian Pizzeria III Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary.” Chapel Hill Magazine, October 7, 2020.