Decades-Old Medford Pizza Place Shuts Down

MEDFORD, MA — A longtime Medford pizza spot closed over the weekend, as the owner is retiring.

Espresso Pizza's last day of business was Saturday, Dec. 18. The restaurant first opened in the 1970s and was run for more than 35 years by Anthony Salvato Jr., whose sister took over the business after Salvato died.

"When he passed away, I was determined to keep his legacy alive. After 9 great but long and exhausting years, I will be retiring, and Espresso pizza will be permanently closing," a statement on the restaurant's Facebook page reads.

Many fans said the announcement was "bittersweet" and shared their favorite memories of Espresso Pizza on the post.

"I grew up on Espresso Pizza!! My Dad used to deliver pizzas to us on Saturday night when he was working for Anthony," one person wrote.

Another added, "Greetings from Cincinnati. I'm sorry to hear this news. As a Tufts student in the late 70s to early 80s, I was a frequent customer."

"Your brother did work very hard and I’m sure you do as well," a former employee said. "I worked for him as an undergrad in the 90s and I loved the job. (And the calzones in particular.) I can still hear Bitter Sweet Symphony on the radio between deliveries."

Espresso Pizza was located at 336 Boston Avenue.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated Anthony Salvato's brother took over the business. Espresso's has been run by Salvato's sister since his death.