by Fans of pizza have long enjoyed a quick slice when they could grab one. For years, a staple of the pizza community has been the delicious Ohio City Pizzeria at 3223 Lorain Road in Cleveland. Sadly, those days are now over as the company has released the following statement to talk about their closing.
Dear community members,
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our Ohio City Pizzeria business. Our last day of our pizzeria’s operations will be Saturday, August 10th. Despite our best efforts and unwavering dedication by countless people, the challenges we’ve faced over the past few years have proven insurmountable.
In 2019, we had an idea of expanding our campus and helping our clients find a faster path to self-sufficiency with the opening of OCP. This ambitious endeavor was the result of many hours of hard work, meetings, generous support, and other considerations from the West Side Catholic Center’s board of directors, community, and staff. At the time, we knew it would be a challenge, but seized the unique opportunity presented to us. We purchased the building at 3223 Lorain Ave and the existing Ohio City Pizzeria business, expanded our campus, re-opened the pizzeria and saw clients’ lives changing for the better. And, we provided some pretty good food, too!
We survived the pandemic through the grit and dedication of those who believed in the social good we aimed to provide through OCP. However, post-pandemic challenges have not allowed us to achieve the operating results and impact we had hoped for, leading us to this difficult decision.
Over our five years of operating Ohio City Pizzeria, we employed over 50 graduates from West Side Catholic Center programs, providing valuable workforce experience and wages to those looking for an opportunity. The pizzeria also gave birth to redesigns in our programming and the WSCC Culinary Academy. These programs will continue and will strive to improve the lives and circumstances of those who come to WSCC. However, we believe closing Ohio City Pizzeria is the most prudent decision for the overall well-being of the Center at this time. We appreciate your continued support as we look to the future and plan our next chapter for WSCC.
We want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible support and generosity over the past five years. Your contributions not only helped us to serve delicious pizzas but also to build a community where we shared countless memories, laughs, and slices.
The journey we embarked on together was filled with passion and a shared love for great food and a great cause. Although we must now close our doors, the spirit of community you helped foster will remain a cherished part of our story. Your belief in our vision kept us going, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
We hope you can stop by before August 10th for one last meal… “
