BUCKTOWN — A beloved pizza restaurant that’s served up thin-crust pies for more than 65 years has closed, but management isn’t ruling out a possible reopening.
John’s Pizzeria, 2104 N. Western Ave., has been a staple on the Bucktown-Logan Square border since it opened in 1957.
Earlier this month, the business announced it was closing June 30 after losing its lease.
Owner Larry Imburgia told WBBM that his sister owns the building and is in the process of selling the property. There are no hard feelings, Imburgia said.
“Long story short, we lost our lease,” the business wrote in a Facebook post. “We’ve loved serving up Chicagoland’s best pies since 1957 and hosting all your birthdays, graduations and celebrations over the decades.”
In another Facebook post Thursday, management said John’s had closed ahead of the original June 30 timeline, but that it might not be gone for good.
“Regrettably, John’s Pizzeria will be closed for the foreseeable future,” the business wrote in the post. “As we navigate this challenging time, we remain hopeful for the future of John’s. While John’s Pizzeria as is is closed for now, we are exploring options to potentially reopen and continue serving you our delicious pizzas once again.”
John’s Pizzeria was founded by Imburgia’s father, John, who immigrated to Chicago from Sicily, according to WBBM.
Attempts to reach Imburgia Monday were unsuccessful. The restaurant was closed and empty Monday afternoon, with a sign posted on the front door that said the pizzeria will be closed “until further notice.”
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your patronage. It’s been an immense honor, and the memories we have shared with you will forever be cherished,” the restaurant posted last week.
“Wishing you joy, happiness and a love for pizza in the meantime.”
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