Tommy’s Pizza, a beloved pizzeria on Lane Avenue that’s been a cornerstone of Ohio State University life for decades, is closing its doors.
Yep, you heard it right. After 45 wonderful years, Tommy’s Pizza will be serving its last slice this Friday.
The announcement came straight from the restaurant’s website, where they expressed their heartfelt thanks: “Our Campus location will be closing its doors on June 14th. We appreciate your loyal patronage over the last 45 years. It has been a pleasure serving multiple generations of families and students alike.”
For those who might not be familiar, Tommy’s is known for its unique Columbus-style pizza, which has a thin crust that’s crispy and crunchy, topped with a sweet, tangy sauce and loads of cheese.
Those of us who’ve been around Columbus a while know that Tommy’s was a quintessential coming of age experience. Whether it was a post-game tradition, a study break treat, a meet up with old friends, or just a casual hangout spot, Tommy’s has been a reliable part of the OSU campus experience.
While the University District location at 174 Lane Ave. is saying goodbye, Tommy’s isn’t disappearing entirely. You can still get your fix at their other spots: 1350 W. Lane Ave. near Upper Arlington and 4279 W. Dublin Granville Road in Dublin will remain open, keeping the legacy alive.
The origins of Tommy’s Pizza go way back to 1952 when Thomas Iacono, the son of Italian immigrants, first opened Tommy’s Restaurant on Columbus’ East Side. What started as a humble restaurant soon became synonymous with delicious, Columbus-style pizza, and the name changed to reflect its growing reputation. The University District location, which opened in 1979, quickly became a favorite, especially among OSU students and locals.
So, what’s next? If you’re in town, make sure to swing by before Friday to grab one last slice and say your goodbyes. And if you can’t make it, perhaps plan a visit to the other locations to keep that Tommy’s tradition going strong.
Featured image via Facebook.
