Beloved Astoria Pizza Shop Reopens Months After Devastating Fire

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A beloved Astoria pizza shop reopened its doors on Monday, four months after a devastating fire.

Early on the morning of May 10, a blaze broke out at Retro Pizza, causing extensive damage to the storefront of seven years in the span of 30 minutes. The pizza joint, located at 41-02 Broadway, has been under renovation since then, and finally reopened on Monday — much to the excitement of locals.

The Avraamides family — who own and operate Retro pizza — announced the shop’s reopening on social media, prompting an outpouring of support from Astorians who are eager to order pizza there again.

“So excited for you guys to be back!! We missed you so much!” wrote one. “I’ll be ordering again [as] always” wrote a second. Many others echoed their excitement with thumbs-up and heart emojis.

As part of Monday’s soft opening, Retro Pizza expressed gratitude for local community members’ ongoing support with slices of free pizza.

After news of the fire broke in May, hundreds of locals chipped in nearly $40,000 towards a fundraiser, which helped the shop cover the cost of new equipment and store repairs.

“Thank you all for your support during this time. It's been greatly appreciated!” the shop wrote online. “We’ve missed you guys!”