New Paltz, NY – The Village of New Paltz has lost one of its most cherished eateries. Village Pizza, a long-standing favorite known for its classic New York-style pizza, has officially closed its doors. The announcement came from the Katz family, who have operated the pizzeria for the past five and a half years. The news was shared via Facebook, where the family expressed their gratitude to the community and bid farewell with the message, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” quoting Dr. Seuss.
Community Reacts to the Closure
The closure of Village Pizza has left many in the community saddened. Social media was quickly filled with heartfelt messages from customers reminiscing about their favorite dishes and memories. One customer, Gus, lamented, “No!!!!! Now I have to settle for one of the others. Village was the best pizza in town.” Another, Terri, praised their steak sandwich, saying, “We came there from Kingston for the steak sandwich. The best around!”
The pizzeria had become a staple for many, not just for its pizza, but for the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by Mike Katz and his family. One fan thanked Mike for “the late-night slices at the dojo, the cold pizza breakfasts sold to me the day before, and for being the most down-to-earth, light-hearted, and personable guy to ever sell me a slice.”
Reflecting on the Journey
In their farewell post, the Katz family reflected on their time running Village Pizza, calling it a “wild ride” and expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the New Paltz community. While the reasons for the closure were not detailed, it’s clear that the decision was not made lightly.
The family hinted at new ventures on the horizon, leaving many hopeful that their future endeavors will continue to involve food. Known for their culinary skills and warm hospitality, the Katz family is sure to find success in whatever path they choose next.
As the sun sets on Village Pizza, the New Paltz community bids farewell to a beloved establishment, holding onto the memories and the flavors that made it special.