BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – A restaurant that has been synonymous with excellence has shuttered its doors.
Belleview Pizza, whose welcome presence at 5428 SE Abshier Blvd., the heart of the city, satisfied diners for five decades.
The restaurant closed its doors this week bringing an end to the establishment that provided an ambiance that was conducive to family-friendly dining on Italian fare served by a cordial staff.
“We came here, my wife and I and son back in 1978, and we used to go to Belleview Pizza all the time,” said Ronald Livsey, Belleview city commissioner. “Not just for the pizza but their Italian specialties. You would often see lines outside of the restaurant with people on the sidewalk waiting to get in.”
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Diners would often come for the chicken parmesan, baked ziti, angel hair pasta, pizza and meatballs. The food did more than just fill your hunger. It made an afternoon or evening a fun experience.
Community leaders say the closure leaves a significant void in the city.
“We’re actually looking for more restaurants to come in an open up because we believe Belleview does need a few more good restaurants,” said Livsey. “Then to see, a 50-year-old restaurant to move out. Life changes and we have to move on with it. When you talk Belleview, you talk Belleview Pizza.”
People were surprised to see the signs posted outside of Belleview Pizza on Monday.
Although many will miss the manicotti and marinara sauce, the memories will live on of a local favorite that did more than whet your appetite.
In addition to pizza, Belleview City Commissioner Michael Goldman loved ordering the restaurant’s meatball sub.
“It’s a sad day,” said Goldman. “I remember being a young guy and getting a pizza. It was a staple of the community, an absolute landmark. It will be sorely missed.”