Papa's Pizza Closes After 27 Years in Sewell, N.J
- A beloved pizza shop that has been in business for nearly 30 years is closing.
- The owners cite a significant rent increase as the reason for their closure.
- Residents are mourning the loss of a local favorite and community gathering spot.
SEWELL, N.J. — After nearly three decades of serving the community, Papa's Pizza has closed its doors for the final time. Owners Ken Ford and Chuck Green opened the beloved pizzeria in 1996, realizing a lifelong dream. "I knew Ken was the best pizza maker I ever met in my life," Green recalled, expressing their passion for the business that has become a staple in the area. The closure comes after the building's owners, DLC Management Group, presented Ford and Green with a new lease that they deemed unaffordable. "It's terrible," Green lamented, revealing the emotional toll the decision has taken on him. The final day of operation saw an outpouring of support from loyal customers, many of whom praised the quality of the pizza and the welcoming atmosphere fostered by the owners. Patrons like Keen Hamilton and Mark Walters shared their fond memories of the pizzeria, highlighting the strong sense of community that Papa's Pizza cultivated over the years. "They're solid guys, always a good word, always a friendly atmosphere," Walters noted, emphasizing the personal connections formed at the shop. In a bittersweet farewell, Andrea Ford mentioned that the restaurant had sold out of food every day leading up to the closure, a testament to the overwhelming support from the community. As the doors close on Papa's Pizza, the legacy of friendship and quality food will be fondly remembered by its many patrons.