History | Dani’s House of Pizza

Dani’s House of Pizza has been a Kew Gardens landmark since 1959. There’s a reason we have been here for 49 years. Fantastic food, a friendly relaxed atmosphere, and reasonable prices are just a few of the reasons that Dani’s has continued to be a pillar of the Kew Gardens community.

The renowned Dani’s House of Pizza was founded by Ramiz Dani in 1959 on Lefferts Blvd. in Kew Gardens, Queens and continues to do business at the same location to this day.

In 1963, Ramiz’s friend, Andre Cupi started working there as a cook and he is still there today. He reminisced that in the 1960s, it cost 25 cents for a slice and a soda.

During the1970s, a spate of pizzerias sprung up in the neighborhood to compete with Dani’s, but not a single one of them endured.During the 1980s, there were five bars in the neighborhood, including Regents Row, directly across the street. Business was booming for everyone.The 1990s saw a general decline in business for everyone, except Dani’s. Regents Row is now gone and only two bars remain in the neighborhood, yet Dani’s continues to flourish.In the new millennium, Ramiz passed away and the outpouring of sympathy was enormous. You can read the comments below for yourself. His son Sabri now continues the tradition of excellence that is Dani’s House of Pizza. And Andre is still cooking there over 40 years later, because as he says, “They are like family to me.

I am very sorry to hear of the death of Ramiz Dani, founder of Dani’s House of Pizza. From the day it opened, sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s, Dani’s was not only a great place for food, it was also a place where, if business wasn’t too brisk, one was welcome to linger. It became a great afternoon and late night hangout in the mid to late 60’s. Dani never seemed to mind if we weren’t spending money. He never seemed to care if our hair was long. He welcomed us all. I can still recall the way in which he would ask us to leave, when things were busy. Dani would say “Fresh air,” and we knew it was time to go outside.

Franklin J. Goldberg

I can remember 25 cents for a slice and a small coke at the best Pizza place in the world. You could either come inside and eat or stand at the window. Dani was friends with all the kids in the neighborhood in the 60s and he knew all of them by name. If you didn’t have a quarter for the slice and soda, he gave you credit. He trusted all of us that would hang there. Could never understand why the pizza dough was yellow but it was really good. Dani will be missed by all he touched with his warm smile and friendly personality. Thanks for the memories and God Bless You.

Linda Widder Wiesner