A longtime pizzeria in Lewiston, Maine, closed last year after more than seven decades in business. The closure brought an end to one of the city’s most enduring restaurant fixtures and was one of the biggest losses in Maine’s restaurant industry.
A legacy ends after seven decades
In a sentimental moment for local diners and long-time residents, Luiggi’s Pizzeria, a beloved pizza shop on Sabattus Street, closed its doors for good after 72 years of operation last year.
For generations, Luiggi’s was known as a neighborhood staple where families, friends, and travelers alike could enjoy classic Italian-American fare — from pizzas and spaghetti to its iconic sandwiches. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1953, becoming a fixture in the downtown Lewiston culinary scene.
The pizzeria’s final chapter unfolded under owners Zach and Keshia Pratt, who had taken over the business earlier this year and worked to revitalize its menu and atmosphere.
Despite their efforts, the Pratts acknowledged in a heartfelt social media post that the challenges of bringing the old building “up to code” proved too great to overcome, citing “…significant, unexpected costs and an overwhelming number of hoops to jump through“, also adding that they received “very little support from the city when we needed it most.”
Challenges and farewells
According to statements from the owners, attempting to renovate a decades-old building (but not quite as old as the restaurant with roots in the 1800s!), navigating regulatory requirements, and responding to mixed customer feedback strained both staff morale and financial resources.
Visits dwindled outside of special promotion days, and the owners concluded that continued operation would mean compromising quality — something they weren’t willing to do. Their announcement expressed gratitude to the community for its support and memories shared over the years.
End of an era
The closure of Luiggi’s Pizzeria marks the end of one of Maine’s longest-running eateries, joining a string of restaurant closures in the area during 2025. For many Mainers, it’s not just a business shutting down, but the finishing chapter of a place filled with nostalgia.
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