The Baltimore Banner called her “Maryland’s oldest pizza quality-control expert.” She ate pizza once a week and lived more than a century to talk about it. Now Thelma Beall, cofounder of Ledo Pizza—originator of Maryland-style pizza—has passed away.
Beall died of natural causes on New Year’s Eve at 101. She served as president of Ledo Pizza before stepping down from that role and leaving her descendants in charge.
“Thelma was instrumental in the founding of Ledo Pizza in 1955 alongside her husband, Bob,” Ledo Pizza posted recently on social media. “During the early years, she often worked as a server and hostess at the original Ledo Restaurant in Adelphi, Maryland.” Her family owns Ledo Pizza to this day.
Thelma was born in Upper Marlboro in 1924, according to an obituary. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and an avid reader who also enjoyed dining out. She was preceded in death by her husband and fellow Ledo cofounder, Robert Beall. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Until recently, she visited a different Ledo Pizza store every week to make sure the pies and service were up to par, Ledo Pizza CEO Jamie Beall, Thelma’s grandson, told the Banner. If she was satisfied, he said, “I wouldn’t hear from her.” But if she encountered a problem, she’d let him know: “They’re not doing something right. You need to send somebody down there.”
Thelma had good reason to keep a close eye on her legacy. Ledo Pizza, a member of PMQ’s Pizza Hall of Fame, gifted the world with Maryland-style pizza—a square pie with a thin, pastry-like crust, a sweeter sauce and salty smoked provolone. Thelma’s husband, Bob, opted for a square shape because round pans were hard to find in the 1950s.
The pizzeria drew legendary sports figures like Mickey Mantle, Joe Namath, Yogi Berra and Johnny Unitas, along with Frank Sinatra and even the Rolling Stones. It started franchising in 1989.
Ledo Pizza’s Maryland-Style Pie: A Favorite of Mickey Mantle and Joe Namath
Thelma began as a server and hostess at Ledo’s original location and went on to manage the finances before becoming president of the Annapolis, Maryland-based brand, which now has 125-plus locations spread out from New York to Florida.
Indiana Governor Larry Hogan paid tribute to Thelma in a Facebook post on January 7. “Ledo Pizza isn’t just a restaurant here,” he wrote. “It’s part of our story. For decades, Marylanders have gathered around those tables to celebrate birthdays, milestones and everyday moments. That sense of warmth and familiarity did not happen by accident. It was built by Thelma, who poured her heart into the business from the very beginning.”
In its social media post, Ledo Pizza noted that “Thelma’s impact on Ledo Pizza can still be felt today through our dedication to hospitality and the family atmosphere in our restaurants. Since 1955, she was a constant source of support and wise counsel, helping shape the values that continue to guide us.
“We will miss you, Grandma.”
