In 48 hours, there will no longer be a Tommy's Pizza on Ohio State's campus.
According to a report from Sav McKee of 614NOW, Tommy’s Pizza announced that its 174 W. Lane Ave store, located across the street from Ohio State’s Torres House and Jesse Owens North Recreation Center, will close on June 14.
“We appreciate your loyal patronage over the last 45 years,” a Tommy’s Pizza spokesperson told McKee. “It has been a pleasure serving multiple generations of families and students alike.”
The spokesperson told McKee that Tommy’s Pizza’s campus location no longer made financial sense and revealed plans to rent out the space to a potential restaurant. The spokesperson added that employees from the campus location were able to relocate to Tommy Pizza’s Upper Arlington or Dublin locations.
Recognized as the second-oldest pizzeria in Columbus, Tommy’s Pizza opened on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Cassady Avenue in 1952. Its owner, Thomas Iacano, was a first-generation immigrant from Italy and wished to offer thin, crispy, square-cut pizza to Central Ohio residents. After the first Tommy’s Pizza store experienced tremendous success, Iacano opened its Upper Arlington location in 1963, its campus location in the late 1970s and its Dublin location in the late 1980s.
For 45 years, Tommy’s Pizza was a staple for Ohio State students. It was also a popular place to stop before and after athletic events on North Campus, particularly football games on fall Saturdays.
“Thank you, Central Ohio, for your support over the years,” the spokesperson said. “We look forward to continuing the tradition for you at our Upper Arlington and Dublin locations!”
