Mercer Pizzeria Seized By State Starts Fundraiser To Keep Biz Afloat

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Owners of the iconic Mercer-based DeLorenzo Pizza have started a fundraiser to help keep the business afloat.

Earlier this month, the pizzeria was seized by the state for non-payment of taxes.

In a GoFundMe, owner Rick DeLorenzo Jr., said the 85-year-old pizzeria was “unexpectedly” shut by the state for failing to keep up on tax lien.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the closure of a nearby movie theatre, resulted in losses for the business.

“My business has suffered considerably due to the closure of a nearby AMC 24 movie theater, the pandemic and the opening of two additional DeLorenzos Pizza shops in the surrounding area,” DeLorenzo said.

“My income has dropped drastically in the last ten years. I’m looking to raise enough money to keep my family business afloat that began in 1938.”

The first DeLorenzo Pizza shop opened around 1938 at the corner of Hudson and Mott Streets in Trenton by Rick’s uncle, Joe.

He mastered the art of the Pizzaiolo (pizza maker), while working for another pizzeria in the neighborhood. When Joe and his four brothers were called in World War II, Rick Jr’s father, Rick Sr., and his brothers Pat and Raymond began running the family business.

In 1961 they opened a location on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton. They then moved to Sloan Avenue in Hamilton in 2013.

Separate Delorenzo family pizzerias opened in Robbinsville, Levittown, and Yardley, PA. Although operated by "blood related relatives," these locations are not affiliated with the one in Hamilton.

“Please consider making a donation to support a small business that has been a part of the Mercer County area for over 80 years,” Delorenzo said in the fundraiser.

Located on 147 Sloan Avenue in Hamilton Township, DeLorenzo Pizza currently has a notice of seizure posted on its front door.

“The Division of Taxation can confirm the property was seized for failure to comply with New Jersey tax laws. Every taxpayer has the right to bring themselves into tax compliance,” Danielle Currie from the Division of Taxation told Patch.

As of Tuesday, $8,700 was raised. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $20,000.

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