One of Port Orange’s most frequented pizza restaurants was put up for sale this week after operating under its original owners for seven years.
Angelina and Alberto Strickhouser, owners of Alberto’s Pizza Shop, located at 4036 S. Nova Road, announced their decision to put the pizzeria on the market in a message posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page on Wednesday, May 7.
Luckily for the 12-seater shop’s revolving door of loyal regulars, it will remain in operation as the Strickhousers search for a prospective new owner, one they hope to find through their expansive community of online supporters.
“We’re proud to offer a true turn-key operation, and we’re excited to see how the next owner will bring new energy and ideas into this beautiful space,” Angelina said in a text message to The News-Journal Thursday morning. “After 30 years in the restaurant business, Alberto is ready to pursue a new venture. However, he’s happy to assist the new owner with settling in and making a smooth transition if needed.”
The sale includes the restaurant’s name, menu and recipes, business phone number and website, according to the Facebook post. The eatery’s private party room next door is available for sale separately at $25,000. The monthly rent is $1,100, according to the post. Those with questions are asked to reach out via direct message, rather than calling the restaurant.
“This community has meant the world to us and always will! We live here. We’ve built more than just a pizza shop — we’ve built friendships, memories and a small-town culture of good food and good people,” the online post states.
“… We’ve tried to make the shop work without being here full-time — even downsized the menu to simplify things — but in all honesty, this place needs someone with fresh energy and hands-on drive,” it continues, describing the prayer-based decision to sell as a leap of faith that ultimately feels right for their family, despite being one of the most difficult choices they’ve had to make.
Online, the post has been met with nearly 900 social interactions, including at least 500 likes and more than 100 comments from local residents and businesses alike showing their support.
“On behalf of a grateful police department, thank you for all you have done for our community,” the Port Orange Police Department commented. Dozens of other echoed the statement, offering words of encouragement and well wishes.
Alberto’s Pizza Shop: A light in the community
Alberto, a third-generation pizzamaker, got his start in the industry at just 11 years old, and it seems that love for pizza-making — and the community who enjoys it — has stuck with him over the years, all the way to the beloved Port Orange shop he opened alongside his wife in 2018.
For more than half a decade now, Alberto’s Pizza Shop of Port Orange has stood as a local symbol of integrity, generosity and kindness within its local community and beyond. The pizzeria has shown up for others in times of crisis, including during Hurricane Helene, when Alberto’s Kids, the couple’s nonprofit that provides support to local families in need, worked with area pilots to deliver hurricane relief donations and supply kits to North Carolina residents.
The shop has hosted numerous local donation drives, pay-it-forward initiatives and supplied first responders and local law enforcement with hot meals to show their appreciation.
Now, with the help of their community, the Strickhousers hope to hand the keys to a new owner who will build upon the foundation they’ve laid at the beloved pizzeria.
“From the beginning, our mission has been to serve God by serving others, and that guiding principle has shaped both our family and our business,” Angelina said in a text message. “We trust that He will continue to lead us on this chapter of our journey.”
Alberto’s Pizza Shop is located at 4036 S. Nova Road, Suite E, in Port Orange and continues to offer pick-up, delivery and catering. For information or inquiries, call 386-238-9261 or visit facebook.com/albertospizzashop.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Closing a chapter: Local family puts Port Orange restaurant up for sale after 7 years
Reporting by Helena Perray, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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