Lucali in Carroll Gardens is famous for its delicious pizzas, celebrity guests and long lines — but it also is notorious for being a reservation-less dining experience that was almost impossible to get into. Until now.
Trey Zoeller — founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon — and Lucali founder Mark Iacono are teaming up to offer exclusive reservations at the iconic restaurant for the first time in its history for the “Jefferson’s x Lucali: Slice of New York” sweepstakes.
Entries for the reservation giveaway opened on Nov. 8 and prizes will be distributed from Nov. 15-29. Four lucky grand prize winners will receive reservations for a group of four worth up to $250 at the restaurant.
In addition to the reservation giveaway, five runners-up will also receive a pizza for takeaway and all winners will receive Jefferson’s x Lucali branded merchandise as well as a Visa gift card which can be used to purchase a bottle of Jefferson’s Bourbon.
“Jefferson’s is constantly looking to partner with entrepreneurs, businesses, and people at the tops of their fields to give our drinkers the best bourbon and best experiences,” said Zoeller in a statement. “And because we’re so thankful for our Jefferson’s fans, we channeled our entrepreneurial spirit – always looking for new opportunities and innovative ways to make moments together better — and teamed up with Lucali to ensure lucky New Yorkers will get a top-notch experience with the best pizza money can buy.”
Iacono founded Lucali in 2006, when the pizzaiolo noticed that a candy store he often frequented as a child growing up in Carroll Gardens was put up for lease after the owner died.
Despite having no experience cooking pizza beforehand, Iacono thought it important to keep the legacy of the store alive and intended to open a traditional New York-style pizzeria in the neighborhood. After studying under legendary pizzaiolos including Dom DeMarco of Di Fara Pizza and sourcing fresh and delicious local ingredients, Iacono opened Lucali to storied success, and the pizzeria is now frequently visited by celebrities like Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Beyonce.
“I’m an accidental pizzaiolo — so for me, it’s always been about creating the best product for the best people,” Iacono said. “This partnership, and this contest, it just clicked for me. From what I understand, Trey kind of fell into his craft the same way I did, and feels the same way I do: to give back to our friends and customers this holiday season, it was a no-brainer.”
To enter the Jefferson’s x Lucali: Slice of New York reservation sweepstakes, visit the website here, must be 21+ to enter.