Raceway Pizza, a beloved establishment in Yonkers, has recently closed its doors, leaving a void in the hearts of its loyal customers. Luigi Petrozza, the owner, took to social media on Wednesday, May 24, to announce the closure and express his gratitude to the community that supported his family’s restaurant for over half a century.
Raceway Pizza was a family-owned business that started its journey in 1971. Petrozza, in a heartfelt video shared on social media, reminisced about his time working alongside his parents and expressed mixed emotions about the closure. He explained that it was time for him to retire and move on to new endeavors.
In the video, Petrozza took one last reflective walk through the eatery, soaking in the memories and bidding farewell to the place that had been a significant part of his life. While the closure marked the end of an era, Petrozza expressed excitement about the opportunities retirement would bring. He planned to spend quality time with his grandchildren, enjoy rounds of golf, visit the beach, and simply relax.
The Barstool breakthrough
Raceway Pizza gained national attention in 2021 when Dave Portnoy, the President of Barstool Sports, reviewed the pizzeria and conducted an emotional interview with Petrozza. The eatery was struggling due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic at that time. Fortunately, Raceway Pizza became a recipient of the Barstool Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at supporting small businesses.
In Portnoy’s YouTube review, he praised Raceway Pizza’s delicious pizza, awarding it a respectable 7.4 out of 10. He also emphasized the significance of small businesses like Raceway and the impact they have on local communities. The sentiments expressed by Portnoy resonated with other visitors who left heartfelt comments on Petrozza’s social media announcement. Many shared fond memories and praised the eatery’s unique charm.
Petrozza expressed sincere appreciation for all the patrons who had supported Raceway Pizza throughout its 52 years of operation. In his emotional video, he thanked everyone for the memories and the great times shared at his establishment. Tearfully, he concluded by expressing his love for everyone.
The heartfelt farewell from Petrozza and the outpouring of gratitude from the community serve as a testament to the impact small businesses can have on people’s lives. Raceway Pizza may be gone, but the memories and the love it inspired will endure for years to come.
**UPDATE**
Luigi Petrozza’s “honorary nephew” will take over the restaurant and will retain its name.
