Connecticut’s economy is quietly on a winning streak.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Connecticut now ranks in the top three states in the nation for economic growth over the last three quarters.
That’s not a one-time bounce. That’s sustained momentum — quarter after
quarter. In the most recent quarter alone, Connecticut’s real GDP grew by 5.6 percent, putting us among the top five fastest-growing economies in the entire country.
What’s driving it? Strength in advanced manufacturing, finance and insurance, information, and innovation-led industries.
And here’s what really matters: this growth is happening while businesses across the country are dealing with higher costs, workforce challenges, and global uncertainty.
Translation: Connecticut isn’t just growing. It’s adapting, competing, and winning.
More opportunity. More investment. More reasons to believe in where this state is headed.
This news will come as no surprise to Connecticut’s pizza lovers, but our pies are in the national news again for excellence – just ahead of National Pizza Day on Feb. 9!
Fodor’s Travel recently named Frank Pepe’s one of the top 10 pizzerias in the country, on a list of pizzas “so good you might want to plan a trip around them.” Pepe’s was the only Connecticut spot to make the list, joining other restaurants in New York, LA, Chicago, and Detroit.
The Fodor’s writeup mentions the New Haven-style thin crust, calling it “more generous with tomato sauce than cheese,” and references Pepe’s as the inventor of the signature white clam pie with fresh littleneck clams.
Zeneli, another top New Haven pizzeria, recently made the Yelp Top 100 for 2026. This list showcases the highest-reviewed restaurants, diners, fast-casual spots, food halls, and more — all ranked by the Yelp community.
Zeneli was the only Connecticut spot to make this list, ranked at number 87. The pizzeria is just steps from the legendary Pepe’s and Sally’s on Wooster Street, but it’s just a little different, following a traditional authentic Neapolitan style instead of the coal-fired crust everyone knows.
And naturally, both of these celebrated spots are on the Connecticut Pizza Trail! For the full map and list of Connecticut pizzerias, visit CTVisit.com.
Stay hungry Nutmeggers and tuned to Mike & Mary for more good stuff about Connecticut!
