Cafe Pizzaria has closed. In social media posts Wednesday, the Webb family, owners of Bloomington’s longest-operating pizza place, said they decided to close the East Kirkwood Avenue restaurant.
On the restaurant’s website and on Facebook, the latest post says:
“Dear Bloomington,
We have decided that it is time for us to retire and have more time to focus on family. Thanks to all our loyal customers over the past 70 years!
We would especially like to thank all of our employees. You have been exceptional and we love each and every one of you.
Larry, Sharon, David, Crosby, Katie, and Andrea”
The closure is effective Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.
Cafe Pizzaria was just named the winner of a The Herald-Times pizza poll, topping 46 pizza places listed by people who voted. Cafe Pizzaria received 41.75% of the poll that was open Aug. 1-8.
Responding to the win, co-owner David Webb said, “The local townspeople and IU have kept us going all these years and we sure do appreciate it.”
Three generations of the Webb family have operated the restaurant, beginning with Larry Webb who started working at Cafe Pizzaria in 1962 and purchased the shop in 1986. Cafe Pizzaria opened in 1953. His son, David, and grandson Crosby have worked at Cafe Pizzaria for years.
In a recent article about Cafe Pizzaria, Crosby Webb said it’s the sausage that makes Cafe Pizzaria special and better than other shops.