Building sale not expected to affect immediate future of Pagliai’s Pizza

Lang
10/5/23

Concerns about the immediate future of an iconic Iowa City pizzeria have been dismissed by the business’s owner.

Local social media has been filled with concern in recent weeks after news that the Bloomington Street building that houses Pagliai’s Pizza was being sold. Fans of the restaurant were concerned a building sale would mean the end of the 66-year-old Iowa City staple. But Pagliai’s owner Antonio Fontanini tells The Daily Iowan that his restaurant still has seven years left on its lease, and he has no plans to close anytime soon.

The Pagliai’s property at 302 E. Bloomington St. also houses Laundromania and 16 apartments.

Concern about Pagliai’s future was likely partially fueled by the recent news that another beloved longtime area restaurant, Iowa River Power in Coralville, would be closing later this year after its building owner refused to extend the restaurant’s lease.  IRP’s final day is set for November 26th.