Charleston pizza shop to remain open after previously announcing closure

The owners of Graziano's Pizza, 243 Capitol St. in Charleston, said they would remain open after previously announcing the shop's closure.Photo byGMSV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A popular pizza shop in downtown Charleston announced last week that it would be permanently closing. Then, on Saturday, Sept. 14, the restaurant’s owners said that due to “numerous positive comments,” they had decided to remain open after all.

Graziano’s Pizza, located at 243 Capitol St., originally announced they were shuttering on Facebook.

“We celebrate the shop's remarkable legacy as we announce its permanent closure,” a manager wrote in the Thursday, Sept. 12 social media post. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our loyal customers, whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind our enduring success.”

The post indicated that the pizzeria’s owner, Joe Graziano, was retiring, prompting the location’s closure.

The shop was first opened in 1975.

Several local media reported on the pizza parlor's closure after Thursday's announcement.

Locals and visitors alike began lamenting the restaurant’s closing soon after the news was made public.

“What are the state workers and the Catholic school kids gonna [sic] eat for lunch now?” one resident wrote on social media. “Shall we do a candlelight vigil like they did [for the February demolishment of the Kanawha City] Hooters?”

By Saturday afternoon, nearly 400 commenters had responded to the Facebook post announcing Graziano’s closure. More than 450 users had shared the post, and more than 850 users had reacted.

Around 1 p.m. Saturday, Graziano’s owners once again took to social media, this time announcing they’d decided to stay open.

“Following the numerous positive comments, we have made the decision to reopen our doors on Monday,” a Graziano's representative wrote in the post. “We are sincerely grateful for your loyalty, love, and unwavering support.”

Restaurant goers shared their elation with the news on Saturday.

“So happy to see this Kanawha Valley institution remain open,” wrote one local commenter.

“While you've certainly earned your retirement, you have shown your selfless love of the community which loves you back,” another wrote.

Graziano’s Pizza will remain in operation Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., owners said. More information on the shop can be found online or by calling 304-342-8554.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be contacted at ramsburgreports@gmail.comor by calling 304-370-3067.