Listen to this articleCiting multiple business challenges, one of Montclair‘s most well-known pizzerias is closing.
In a message on its website, DaVinci’s Brick Oven Pizza said the decision to shutter after more than 25 years in business was due to “limited volume” and “rising labor and food costs.” The restaurant went on to say that “despite a sound business model” those factors “make it impossible to continue.”
Located on Bellevue Avenue, DaVinci’s specializes in wood-fired, hand-crafted artisan pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, flavorful salads and other Italian classics.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who made us part of your lives,” DaVinci’s wrote in its farewell post.
According to DaVinci’s, its final day of slinging pies will be Sept. 20 at the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale. It will have a variety of traditional and specialty pies available in front of the pizzeria.
“Please join us for one final celebration and help us finish strong,” DaVinci’s said.
DaVinci’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Owner Gary Conte told Montclair Local that the business has seen a decline in customers since the pandemic because he believes more people are either cooking at home or opting for healthier fare.
DaVinci’s also lost about 10% of its business when the Bellevue Theater closed in 2017, he said.
Montclair Film recently unveiled plans to revive the historic three-screen cinema as a nonprofit theater. The opening is slated to occur ahead of the2025 Montclair Film Festival this fall.
Following DaVinci’s closure, Conte said he’ll fall back on his full-time position as a senior data analytics manager at Wiley Publishing. He is also trying to help his employees find jobs, Montclair Local reported.
