Miami 's Best Pizza began its life as Florida's first Little Caesar's Pizza Parlor in early 1970. Under the ownership of Big Al Papich, a University of Miami football star, the storefront in Coral Gables, suitable for remodeling, was rented. Big Al foresaw the rapid growth of the sleepy Coral Gables and South Miami areas, and created one of the busiest pizza parlors in the country. He is truly a pioneer in pizza's national popularity. Little Caesar's Detroit headquarters, and one of it's original, and most successful franchises stood a nearly continent apart. Little Caesar's corporation transformed rapidly into a multinational conglomerate. So, supervision of a single outlet became low priority to the Detroit based powerhouse. Big Al's store was forgotten and grew a personality of its own. Free love held the day against the forces of corporate blandness. . . . Big Al's business flourished in the eighties. He gave more authority to Charles Butler (right) and his son Raymond (below). In 1990 Big Al's 20 year franchise agreement expired. He was forced to choose. Independence or Conformity? Ever the visionary, he broke away, before selling the store to his son, Ray, and longtime manager, Charlie. Which led to a… Decisive Florida Election picture vote.gif. We held a referendum, allowing only living customers to vote. . . Ray and Charlie are here every weekend to make pizzas, and have been for 25 years! They hold our two highest secret recipes. The herb and spice mix for the sauce and how to thrill our youngest customers, by spinning the Best Pizza Pie high in the air! In 1995, Thelvius "Thad" Winieckie became our fourth general manager in 30 years. His eye for tasty new menu items, and improving service has won him accolades with hungry folks throughout Miami-Dade County and beyond. In 1998 we expanded adding a casual atmosphere dining room, and we're still growing!