Beloved to Uptown Westerville is a local pizza shop that has been at 7001 Sunbury Road for 20 years. Now, that restaurant will see its final days, according to a Facebook post and voicemail message announcing its permanent closure.
Antonio’s Pizzeria will close for good July 19, according to owner Rita Vaccari Pavuk, who announced “with a heavy heart” on July 6 that the pizzeria’s closure is due to “irreconcilable differences” with the landlord.
“I’m not ready to give it up, but unfortunately, it’s time,” Pavuk said.
Pavuk said Antonio’s first opened in 2005, yet her aunt and uncle, Frances and Sam Giuliani, were the first to open the business in 1977 before selling to a larger pizza chain.
Known for deep-dish pizzas like the Chicago Classic and Cleveland Classic, the restaurant has grown to be a local favorite.
The community, past employees, waitresses and kitchen staff are all invited to celebrate the pizzeria’s final day with a party on July 19.
Though it may feel like the end, Pavuk said some are interested in keeping Antonio’s up and running — even if that means the business will operate under different ownership.
“I am overwhelmed of the outpouring of support that I’ve gotten. (It) has been amazing,” Pavuk said. “Keep an eye out for updates in August.”
Trending features reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: ‘Irreconcilable differences’ with landlord leads Antonio’s Pizzeria to permanent closure
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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