This article was inspired by content originally published on Mouth By Southwest
Introduction
When La Piazza Al Forno opened its doors nearly 18 years ago in Glendale, Arizona, it brought with it more than just pizza—it introduced the soul of Naples to the desert.
Now, the beloved pizzeria that famously earned a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives feature and certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) has announced it will be closing permanently. For pizza lovers, this news is bittersweet. For the industry, it’s a moment to reflect on how passion, authenticity, and craft can define—and elevate—a neighborhood pizza joint into something iconic.
🔥 A Legacy Built in Wood Fire
Owner Justin Piazza, known for his warm hospitality and fierce loyalty to true Neapolitan methods, turned La Piazza into a pilgrimage site for pizzaioli and enthusiasts alike. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven, imported ingredients, and AVPN standards stood out in a landscape often saturated by shortcuts and flash.
For pizza shop owners, La Piazza is a case study in staying true to your roots while building community. Their commitment to using San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo 00 flour, and proper fermentation reminded the industry that tradition still wins hearts (and awards).
Affiliate Suggestion for Enthusiasts and Shop Owners:
Recreate your own Neapolitan experience at home or enhance your shop’s authenticity with tools like the Ooni Karu 16 multi-fuel pizza oven, Caputo 00 Pizza Flour, and certified San Marzano tomatoes. These ingredients are the backbone of world-class pies.
📉 The Business Side: What We Can Learn from a Closure
The announcement of La Piazza’s closure wasn’t due to a lack of demand or dwindling quality. Like many small, family-run pizzerias, the stressors of long hours, rising operational costs, and evolving market expectations took their toll.
For shop owners, this is a sobering reminder: passion must be balanced with sustainability.
Pizza Pro Tip:
Invest in systems that lighten your workload. Consider restaurant POS platforms like Toast, which integrate ordering, payroll, and marketing into one clean dashboard. Pair this with inventory tracking software to reduce waste and manage supplier costs.
You don’t have to do it all alone—and you shouldn’t.
🍕 A Community Pie No One Wanted to Share
In response to the news, fans flooded the restaurant’s social media with messages of support, sadness, and gratitude. That kind of emotional connection isn’t built overnight—it’s earned slice by slice, smile by smile.
For marketing-minded pizza pros, this is a powerful case for branding beyond food. La Piazza’s identity was baked into every element—from its rustic decor to its heartfelt Instagram captions and hand-pulled mozzarella.
Affiliate Tip for Building Emotional Brand Loyalty:
Use tools like Canva Pro to tell your story through visuals and Later.com for scheduling content that builds consistency. Encourage your staff to share behind-the-scenes moments, pizza fails, or “family meal” clips to humanize your business.
🇮🇹 For the Pizza Lovers Who Want a Taste of Legacy
If you never got the chance to dine at La Piazza Al Forno, all is not lost. You can still cook in the same spirit. The restaurant proudly followed AVPN standards, which you can replicate in your kitchen—or use as inspiration for your next pizza night.
Get Started With:
- “The Elements of Pizza” by Ken Forkish – a gold-standard book for home pizzaioli.
- Neapolitan Dough Proofing Boxes – for proper fermentation.
- Wooden Pizza Peel with Long Handle – the unsung hero of artisan baking.
🍂 A Final Thought—And a Thank You
La Piazza Al Forno may be closing its doors, but its influence won’t fade. It reminds us why we love this business—not just for the product, but for the people, the passion, and the places that become part of our community fabric.
To the many shop owners fighting the good fight, take heart in knowing your commitment matters. To the suppliers and enthusiasts, remember that great pizza is more than cheese and dough—it’s a story.
And as we raise a slice to La Piazza Al Forno, let’s keep telling stories worth eating.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This article contains affiliate links, which means Pizza Magazine may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. All product suggestions are selected for their relevance and value to our readers.Tools
