Chandler Pizza Restaurant Closed, Owners Locked Out of Building

Another local pizza shop has closed.Photo byTim MossholderonUnsplash

Skyrocketing rental costs have plagued both businesses and residents throughout greater Phoenix. While rental costs were high at the beginning of the decade, costs moved into overdrive following the pandemic. It has pushed many to a breaking point. And while residents might be able to look for roommates or cheaper alternatives, restaurants are different. Restaurants are often at the mercy of landlords and have to pay what the landlord requires. That, unfortunately, is forcing several restaurants to close prematurely. The cost of rent has led to the shuttering of several recent eateries, including Buon Padre Pizza in Chandler.

Buon Padre Pizza, located at 1080 East Pecos Road (Suite 23) in Chandler had a solid reputation. After around seven years of business, it became a favorite local pizza spot for many in the area. It was also one of the highest-rated pizza restaurants in the city, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Google, a 4.5 on TripAdvisor, and 4.4 on Yelp.

Despite the favorable reviews for the small pizza restaurant, it closed unexpectedly. There was no announcement of the closure, nor did the restaurant say anything on social media or its website. In fact, the website has already been taken down.

The front door has been locked up and a posted message indicates the restaurant had been closed due to non-payment of the rent. How long the lack of payment was an ongoing issue is unknown.

The restaurant specialized in Sicilian, hand-tossed pizza, with both thick and thin crust options. Many of those who reviewed the restaurant didn’t just focus on the quality of the pizza, but also the friendliness of the staff as well as the local owner.

Unfortunately, fans of the pizza will not have another chance to stop by and enjoy a slice (or to grab a order of chicken wings). Ths space itself will likely be rented out quickly, with its location off of the intersection of South McQueen Road and East Pecos Road. It is in the same center as the KTR Chandler Children’s Amusement Center, The Kind Bean, Homeward Bound Spay Neuter Hospital, as well as CrossFit FH and Fast and Heavy Fitness.

This is only the latest restaurant closure in greater Phoenix. It has been a difficult summer for the Valley (though this has been an issue throughout the state as well). Hopefully, with cooler temperatures and more people venturing outside, restaurants will see an uptick in patrons.