Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria in Geneva says it is not closing, despite online speculation and a recent real estate listing.
In a message to customers, the restaurant said it wanted to address the “overwhelming response and questions” about its future and assured the community that it remains open.
“We want to assure you that as of today, our beloved restaurant is not closing, and there are no plans in the foreseeable future to do so,” the owners wrote on Facebook.
The longtime pizza shop at 99 North Genesee St. has been listed for sale. A real estate posting describes it as a “turn-key opportunity” and identifies it as Geneva’s oldest and most beloved pizza shop and Italian restaurant, established in 1978. The asking price is $650,000.
The listing notes the mixed-use property includes a fully equipped restaurant and bakery on the main level and three income-producing apartments upstairs.
In their statement, the family said the decision to offer the business for sale was made about a year ago. Uncle Joe and Mary Lou started the restaurant in 1978, and John continues to run it today.
“This decision was not made lightly and certainly came with a heavy heart,” the family wrote.
They thanked customers for 48 years of support and said they plan to remain open until the time comes to pass the business on to a new owner.
“Please rest assured, we are open for business and ready to serve you until the time comes when we can pass on our tradition of quality, consistency, and delicious food to the next chapter,” the statement reads.
For now, the doors remain open and the ovens remain on at one of Geneva’s longest-running restaurants.
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