After half a century of serving the community, Belleview Pizza has shuttered its doors for good, marking the end of an era in Marion County.
Originally acquired by the Manserra family in 1991, the pizza spot had become a cherished local institution, garnering a loyal following over the years. The news of its closure came as a shock to many residents, including Rebecca Perez, who expressed her dismay at the sudden departure of a beloved community gathering place.
“I’ve been here for like ten years, and my family and I frequented the place regularly. I walked by and saw it closed down. It was open just last week, and now it’s closed. Everyone loves coming here, and the people are friendly. It’s just confusing why it’s suddenly closed, and there are no explanations,” Perez lamented.
According to the owners, the difficult decision to close Belleview Pizza was prompted by a significant decline in sales attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges posed by the pandemic’s economic fallout proved insurmountable, ultimately leading to the closure of the cherished establishment.
In the wake of Belleview Pizza’s closure, residents like Perez are hopeful for revitalization efforts in the area. Perez voiced her desire to see more businesses, particularly recreational venues for children, emerge in the community.
“I’d like to see more options for kids, you know, maybe bowling alleys or arcades or something. Perhaps a public recreational pool,” Perez remarked, reflecting the community’s longing for new opportunities and gathering spaces.
While the Manserra family declined to provide a formal statement, they revealed that they do not intend to sell the building but may pivot away from the food industry altogether. As Belleview bids farewell to its beloved pizza spot, the legacy of Belleview Pizza will live on in the memories of the countless patrons who frequented its tables over the decades.