The Genova Story

Jersey's Most Viral
Pizza Shop.

The next generation
Est. Audubon, NJ
Where It All Began

Grandma Julia's Kitchen

Over 70 years ago, founder Gino Doukali — who emigrated from Morocco — opened a small pizza shop on Cuthbert Boulevard in Audubon, NJ. The recipes that made it legendary came from one person: Grandmother Julia Rita Brown.

Everything from the homemade vodka sauce to the perfect amount of garlic — it all came from her handwritten recipes, made from scratch, every single day. Her illustrated face became the logo. Her love became the brand.

"She did everything from scratch, and we are continuing to do that now."
— Ali Doukali, Co-Owner
Family
The shop
Making pizza
Ali with the van
As Seen on CBS, NBC, Fox 29
The New Generation

Ali & Omar Take the Wheel

Today, Grandma Julia's grandsons Ali and Omar Doukali carry the torch. They didn't just inherit a pizza shop — they built a movement. New branding, viral TikToks, a wrapped van, press features across Philadelphia and South Jersey, and now three locations.

In December 2024, Grandmother Julia passed away at the age of 93. Her loss was felt deeply — but her spirit lives in every pie. The Grandma Pie isn't just a menu item. It's a memorial.

Ali and Omar are also emerging filmmakers and musicians — they produced a short film inspired by the pizzeria and are planning a sitcom based on their story. Genova Pizza is more than a restaurant. It's a universe.

By The Numbers
5M+
Social media views and counting — Jersey's most viral pizza shop
70+
Years in Business
3
NJ Locations
10+
Press Features
Our Journey

70 Years in the Making

1
1950s — The Beginning
Gino Opens the Doors
Founder Gino Doukali opens Genova Pizza on Cuthbert Boulevard in Audubon, NJ. Grandma Julia's recipes become the foundation of everything.
2
Decades of Service
A South Jersey Institution
For over four decades, Genova Pizza becomes a staple in Audubon and surrounding communities — known for quality pies, fresh-cut fries, and homemade chicken tenders.
3
2023 — New Era
Ali & Omar Take Over
Gino's sons Ali and Omar Doukali step in to modernize the brand — new identity, social media, viral TikToks, and a commitment to keeping Grandma's recipes sacred.
4
2024 — Going Viral
5 Million Views & Counting
Genova Pizza explodes on social media. Featured on NBC Philadelphia, CBS News, Fox 29, 6ABC, Pizza Today Magazine and more. The Grandma Pie becomes a phenomenon.
5
December 2024
Grandma Julia Passes at 93
The family loses their beloved matriarch, Julia Rita Brown. A mural is painted in her honor outside the Audubon location. Every pie baked is dedicated to her memory.
6
2025–2026 — Expansion
Three Locations. One Legacy.
Genova Pizza 2 Go opens in Williamstown. The Sicklerville location launches. The family dream keeps growing — proving tradition and ambition can go hand in hand.
Ready to Taste the Legend?

Order the Famous Grandma Pie

Order Online Now