Was Joseph Simek the inventor of tombstone pizza?

Answer 1

In the 1960s, brothers Joseph "Pep" and Ronald Simek ran a neighborhood tavern called the Tombstone Tap on the outskirts of Medford, Wisconsin. The local watering hole, which sold beer at a dime a glass, was so named not because of any occult interests on the part of its owners, but rather because it was located across from a cemetery. One night, while letting loose to the "Peppermint Twist," Pep got a bit carried away and fell, breaking his leg. For the next six weeks, he hobbled about on crutches and was confined to the tavern's minuscule back kitchen. With nothing better to do, Pep relieved his boredom by experimenting with various pizza recipes as a snack for Tombstone Tap's patrons. Remembering some delicious pizza he had tried during a recent visit to the Windy City, Pep decided to produce a Chicago-style pizza and experimented with crust thickness, spices, sauces, and toppings until it was just right. By 1962, 35-year-old Pep had perfected his pizza with a secret slew of spices, tangy sauce, real Wisconsin cheese, and lean meats. Once the pizzas were served at Tombstone Tap, customers could not get enough. Word quickly spread about the terrific pizza at Tombstone, and by 1963 other local taverns commissioned the Simeks to make pizzas for them to freeze and serve later. Pep and Ron, along with their wives, Joan and Frances, began making pies in earnest from the living quarters attached to the Tap. Folks referred to their products as "Tombstone's" or "Tombstone" pizza, and the unlikely name stuck. From the beginning, the Simeks went about their enterprise with a singularity of purpose: to create the tastiest, best pizza possible, whether it was served to the tavern's customers or frozen for delivery. Even their method of delivery was unique and stylish--packed in dry ice, the handmade pizza pies were delivered in a snazzy 1959 Cadillac.