Pudgie’s Pizza, & Subs opened its first pizza and sub operation in Elmira, N.Y. in April of 1963. The owners Charles Cleary (Pudgie), Francis Cleary (Franky the cheese), and Mike Cleary. The three brothers did not expect to start a franchise when they opened up the first Pudgie's. Pudgie's Pizza Franchising Corp. was started in 1972 after having great success in the pizza business. Cortland Pudgie's is ownedand operated by Bill and Joanne Cleary. Bill is the son of Frankie the cheese (Francis Cleary)
