Legendary Capital Region Pizza Spot Added to New York Historic Registry

Kay's Pizza Gets Historic Recognition from New York State

And deservedly so...If you've ever tried getting into Kay's Pizza on a busy summer night, you already know just how popular this place is.

If you've ever visited Kay's, you know the deal by now. Cars can line up the hill, the wait for a table can be substantial, and the takeout orders seemingly never stop.

Photo: Rensselaer Chamber

Yet despite the crowds, Kay's has turned the summertime rush into an art form, efficiently serving generations of families who make the trip to Burden Lake for one of the Capital Region's most beloved seasonal traditions.

70 Years After it All Began

Now, nearly 70 years after it all began, Kay's Pizza is officially getting some historic recognition.

Photo: Rensselaer Chamber

Rensselaer County announced that Kay's Pizza has been added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.

The seasonal pizza destination dates back to the late 1950s, when it was started by the Campagna family. Today, Kay's is operated by James Lilly and the Lilly family and remains a must-stop for pizza lovers throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Local businesses are the backbone of villages, towns, and cities across New York State and have helped shape the history, heritage, and identity of the communities they serve. - The Historic Business Preservation Registry

Photo: Rensselaer Chamber

The Burden Lake restaurant recently celebrated its inclusion on the registry with local and state officials. State Senator Jake Ashby led the effort to have Kay's added, with support from Assemblyman Scott Bendett.

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More Than Pizza

But for longtime customers, Kay's has always been about more than pizza.

It's summer nights by the lake, families gathering around the table, kids growing up and eventually bringing their own kids back, and the annual promise that no matter how long the line gets, you'll probably be back again.

Now, it's officially part of New York history.