When a popular Albany pizzeria announced that they would stop eating meat in September, customers were concerned it would not last. Well, sadly now it is permanently closed, but not because they have become vegan or it has to do with the pandemic.
Why did this popular pizzeria close?
Little Anthony’s has been a popular pizzeria in Albany for 34 years and in a post on their website on Sunday, January 2, they announced that they will be closing for good. Owner Patrick Batuello, who is third generation, said he had decided to sell the business in October and had the perfect buyer who would carry on the Los Angeles vegetarian / vegan pizzeria tradition. But he met resistance from the building’s owners, who said they no longer wanted a restaurant in the space. Here’s what he had to say about the sell-down:
Unfortunately, the building’s owners, who happen to be family members, refused to lease to this buyer (or any buyer for that matter), claiming they no longer want a restaurant in that space. This, after months of guarantees, that once he found a buyer, a lease would be a mere formality. Then in a wicked twist they said I could sell but only to them. This “offer”, however, had no guarantee of keeping the food vegan. Obviously, that was not going to happen in any way.
What will happen next?
Patrick Batuello was originally going to sell Little Anthony’s so he could get out of the restaurant business and focus on his passion, advocating for animals. His organization is called Horseracing Wrongs. Says hopefully this isn’t the end of LA’s Veg. You will keep the name in the hope that they can find another location for the buyer to open.
Batuello thanks his loyal customers
He also said on his website:
I can only offer sincere thanks for all your years of unwavering support. The restaurant business is tough, but you, my loyal customers, made it all worth it. Thank you. – Pat
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