A Slice of History: Prep’s Pizzeria Turns 60

This year, Prep’s Pizzeria is celebrating its 60th anniversary, a milestone that’s more than just a number—it’s a testament to six decades of tradition and a deep love for the Ocean City community. While its iconic orange facade remains a familiar sight on the boardwalk, the story behind it is even more vibrant.

The Prep’s story began in 1965 when  Joseph and Kathleen Reuben decided to open a pizzeria on the Ocean City boardwalk. The name “Prep’s” wasn’t a family name, but a tribute to their sons, who attended St. Augustine Prep. The Rubins’ children eventually took over the business, carrying on the family legacy.

Today, the day-to-day operations are run by Sandy Colao, who was born and raised here in Ocean City. She leads what she lovingly calls “a well-oiled machine” and regards her team as “her kids,” stating, “I would do anything for them in or out of the shop.” When asked how many pizzas they sell, she simply laughs and says, “No idea, we stopped counting a long time ago!”

Her philosophy is simple: create an environment filled with love and make everyone who walks in the door happy. This ethos extends to her customers, with whom she has a deep connection. “Every year we have hugs for them and ask how the winter was,” she shares. She truly enjoys watching families grow, with children who visited years ago now bringing their own children to visit.

While the original sauce recipe created by Mr. Reuben and tradition remain, Prep’s has continually evolved to meet the needs of the community. A few years ago, when the space next door became available, they relocated the dairy bar. This added more seating in the main dining area and a better storefront to showcase their delicious ice cream treats. They also expanded the kitchen, adding a new pizza oven to help meet demand, as well as expanding their menu to include items like fries and chicken tenders. The entire shop received a facelift with new lighting, TVs always tuned into a Philly sports team, and, to the delight of summer crowds, amazing air conditioning.

The team at Prep’s is looking forward to a busy Labor Day weekend with perfect weather and happy crowds. Sandy summed up their feelings by saying, “They are pumped.”

Sandy hopes that the original owners, the Reubens, are looking down and feeling proud of the legacy they created, a tradition based on personal connections, great food, and making everyone feel like part of the community.