By: Joselin Estevez, 

In a world where hype moves fast and fades faster, Anthony Cardinale has built something rare—sustained buzz with real bite. CG Pizza, his mobile-first pizza brand born during the pandemic, is now a coveted fixture at private events, festivals, and nightlife hotspots. With a loyal following that includes high-profile DJs, pro athletes, and reality stars, Cardinale is fast becoming the go-to pizzaiolo for New York and New Jersey’s in-the-know circles.

From Backyard Party to Cult Status

Cardinale’s journey didn’t begin in a test kitchen—it started in his parents’ New Jersey backyard during the COVID lockdown. A professional DJ and founder of Koi Event Group, Cardinale watched his industry vanish overnight. So he leaned into his lifelong passion for pizza, hosting an over-the-top birthday bash with gourmet pies and curated small plates. The name? “Culo Grosso”—a wink to his Italian heritage, later rebranded as CG Pizza.

A friend asked him to cater a bridal shower the following week. Cardinale and his best friend Joe Pisano packed their backyard wood-fired oven into a van and went for it. Word spread quickly. The bookings haven’t stopped since.

Pizza Meets Pop Culture

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Cardinale / CG Pizza

These days, CG Pizza isn’t just making appearances at food festivals—it’s gradually becoming a popular choice at VIP events. Cardinale has served slices at parties thrown by pro athletes and housewives of NJ, seen on TV with “Summer House”, and music industry names (he won’t name-drop, but insiders will). One of their requested setups appeared at a cast party for a hit Netflix reality show last fall.

“Pizza has this way of cutting through status,” Cardinale says. “It doesn’t matter who you are—if the pie is good, people remember.”

The CG brand is built on more than great ingredients—it’s about creating a vibe. Each mobile setup is a hybrid of pizzeria and party. His DJ background informs everything from lighting to music to timing.

“You can serve the ideal slice in the world, but if the energy isn’t there, it’s forgettable,” he says. “We bring that extra layer.”

Obsessed with the Craft

Underneath the flash is a relentless focus on quality. CG Pizza sources tomatoes from Italy, mozzarella from local producers, olive oil from Sicily, and flour straight from Naples. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, resulting in a signature crust that’s light, crispy, and complex.

Cardinale and his team went through nearly 20 versions of each ingredient before locking in their mix. “We obsess over details people never see,” he says.

Their breakout hit? The now-famous How the Fig Ya Doin’— calabrian chili infused fig jam, smoked mozzarella, and whipped ricotta that’s become a kind of rite of passage for new fans. “People take a bite and lose it,” he laughs. “We know the reaction before it happens.”

Brick-and-Mortar, Legacy, and Loss

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Cardinale / CG Pizza

While CG made its name on wheels, the next chapter is rooted. Their first permanent location—The Bar by Culo Grosso—recently opened in Sayreville, NJ. The project is a partnership with hospitality veterans Demetri and the late Kosta Rexinis, who mentored Cardinale and his team.

“Kosta was larger than life,” Cardinale says. “He taught us what real hospitality meant. This place is for him.”

Family Is the Backbone

The CG crew is tight-knit: Cardinale, Pisano, cousin Joseph Mazzeo, and Cardinale’s sister, a culinary school grad who’s integral to operations. “This is a family business, no question,” Cardinale says. “We’re building something we can pass on.”

Looking Ahead

With six mobile setups, a brick-and-mortar space, and backing from pizza oven brand Gozney, Cardinale is plotting the next phase: ten trucks, expansion into other states, and eventually a franchise model.

But fame isn’t the goal. Legacy is.

“This isn’t just about making money or getting clicks,” he says. “It’s about making something real—something that lasts. And making sure every single pie is great, one we’ve ever served.”

In a world obsessed with the next big thing, CG Pizza has managed to be both buzz-worthy and built to last.

Follow CG Pizza: www.cg.pizza | @cg.pizza
Visit The Bar by Culo Grosso: thebarnj.com | @thebarnj