ADELPHI, Md. — Thelma Beall, co-founder of the Maryland-based restaurant institution Ledo Pizza and a defining figure in the region’s culinary history, died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 101. Her passing marks the end of an era for a brand that began as a small neighborhood restaurant and grew into one of the most recognizable names in Maryland-style pizza.
Beall was born in 1924 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and spent her early years rooted in Prince George’s County. After graduating from Upper Marlboro High School in 1942, she began working for the federal government during World War II. In 1945, she transitioned into the restaurant business alongside her husband, Bob Beall, setting the foundation for what would become a multi-generational family legacy in food and hospitality.
In 1955, Thelma and Bob Beall partnered with Tommy Marcos to open the first Ledo Pizza location in Adelphi. At the time, the restaurant was a modest operation, but it quickly earned a loyal following for its distinctive take on pizza. Over the decades, Ledo Pizza became widely recognized as the originator of “Maryland-style” pizza, a regional variation defined by a thin crust, sweet tomato sauce, thick pepperoni, and smoked provolone cheese.
Another hallmark of Ledo Pizza has always been its square shape, a characteristic that dates back to the restaurant’s early years. According to the company’s historical accounts, rectangular baking pans were more commonly available in the 1950s than the round pizza pans now standard across the industry. What began as a practical decision eventually became a defining feature of the brand and a visual signature for its pizzas.
During the restaurant’s formative years, Beall worked directly with customers as both a server and hostess at the original Adelphi location. Those who knew her recall her as a steady presence who emphasized warmth, consistency, and personal connection. Ledo officials have said that her influence continues to be reflected in the company’s focus on hospitality and its enduring family-oriented atmosphere.
From its single storefront beginnings, Ledo Pizza expanded steadily over the years, becoming a familiar gathering place for local residents as well as generations of University of Maryland students. Despite its growth, the company has continued to emphasize its local roots and the values established by its founders.
Following Beall’s death, the restaurant paid tribute to her legacy in a public statement, noting that she remained a source of guidance and encouragement throughout the company’s history. Her contributions, the statement said, helped shape the principles that continue to define the brand today.
Beall’s life spanned more than a century of change, yet her impact remains closely tied to a simple idea: creating food that brings people together. As Maryland residents reflect on her legacy, her influence endures not only through a popular regional brand but also through the sense of community that has defined Ledo Pizza since its doors first opened nearly 70 years ago.
