Westerville's Antonio's Pizzeria to close after ‘irreconcilable differences' with landlord
Antonio's Pizzeria at 7001 Sunbury Road is welcoming customers for the last time on Saturday, owner Rita Vaccari Pavuk announced on social media. Pavuk said the closure comes with 'a heavy heart,' and that it 'was not expected nor wanted but due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the landlord we had to make this very difficult decision.'
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The Westerville pizzeria first opened in 1977 under Pavuk's aunt and uncle, Frances and Sam Giuliani. 'Frances' passion for serving her guests, her authentic homemade recipes, as well as her selfless love for everyone she meets made Antonio's a huge success,' the company's website states.
While the original pizzeria was later sold to a large chain, the Giuliani family reopened Antonio's in 2005 alongside their son, Robert, and Pavuk. Since then, the pizzeria has continued to use the same 'award-winning recipes to provide your family with the highest quality of ingredients, value and service,' Antonio's website states.
Antonio's menu features appetizers, salads, subs, Stromboli, and pizzas made with homemade dough made fresh everyday, topped with the pizzeria's secret family sauce, and loaded with special aged provolone.
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In the social media post, Pavuk thanked her family, past and present employees, and Antonio's faithful customers throughout the years.
'The 'regulars' that come in weekly, you have no idea what it means to me to see you all walk through the doors,' said Pavuk. 'From the bottom of my heart, I will miss you all.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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