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Cafe Pizzaria closes after 71 years

The dial tone rang 20 times before an automated voice ended the call. After more than 70 years in business, Cafe Pizzaria announced their immediate closure Wednesday morning on Facebook and their website.

“Dear Bloomington,” the post began. “We have decided it is time to retire and have more time to focus on our family. Thank you to all of our loyal customers over the past 70 years! We especially want to thank all of our employees. You are exceptional and we love each and every one of you.”

Since February 1953, the pizzeria remained open at 405 E. Kirkwood Avenue With its proximity to campus, locals and students passed by it every day. What started as a small menu of just six pizza toppings grew into meals that are admired across the country.

Within an hour of the Facebook post announcing the closure, more than 190 comments appeared under the post, with customers thanking the owners for their business, wishing them well in their retirement, and even asking for the recipe for the house salad dressing.

This story may be updated.