Varsity Pizza begins new chapter as Dellas family passes torch

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)– Varsity Pizza, the University Hill landmark that has served Syracsue University and the surrounding community since 1926, will enter a new era Dec. 1. The Dellas family is passing ownership to Brian and Renee Bruno, owners of Brian's Landing. Brian and Renee Bruno will take over operations and plan to keep Varsity's recipes, staff, and traditions intact. The Dellas family has owned Varsity for three generations. Jerry and John Dellas took over day-to-day operations from their fathers, 'Spud' and Ted Dellas, in 2001. Ted recently celebrated his 102nd birthday. The restaurant will remain at 802 S. Crouse Ave and continue operating as usual. Jaclyn Tesori, a longtime manager at Brian's Landing, and head chef Tom McNerney will oversee day-to-day operations. 'Varsity is not just a restaurant. It is part of the fabric of this community and this university,' Brian Bruno said. 'Our plan is simple: protect everything that makes Varsity special, keep the people who have made it what it is, and build on 100 years of success.' The restaurant's history dates back to Jerry and John Della's grandfather, a Greek immigrant who settled near Marshall Street and eventually purchased the house that became Varsity. It grew into a fixture of Syracuse campus life, serving generations of students, families, and alumni. 'We've been ready to move on for quite some time,' John Dellas said. 'But it didn't feel right to leave until we knew the business our family poured our lives into was in good hands.' More information regarding the transition will be announced within the coming weeks.