Sandy's Paola's Pizza Barn closes with one last party

In fall of 2018, the Paola family announced the closing of Sandy institution, Paola’s Pizza Barn. But then in February of the following year a family friend, Denise Overton, took up the torch to try and revive the restaurant.

After extending the business’ life by another five years, Overton shared on social media that she would be closing the Pizza Barn’s doors on July 31.

“Being at the end of an era of Paola’s, I would like to share the ups and downs of my journey,” Overton wrote. “I kept the Paolas name for all the right reasons but was criticized and blamed for things I had no part of. Then COVID struck and (we) survived that by the grace of God and loyal friends customers and family. Now at the end of my journey, my customers, I love you more than you will ever know. Paola’s will always be a part of me. Love you all. I will always remember you.”

Paola’s opened in 1976, serving multiple generations of Sandy families over the years. For many, Paola's Pizza Barn was where sports teams would gather after games or families got together to celebrate.

The restaurant at 38015 Highway 26 was also the site of several first dates and anniversary celebrations, as evidenced by hand-carved initials and names still visible in the restaurant's thick wood tables.

When Overton took over ownership in 2019, she did so with the goal of "bringing back some positives."

She retained many key ingredients on the menu, while adding some of her own touches to the place and what it had to offer.

Paola’s hosted a last night party on July 31 before closing it’s doors. The future for Overton and the barn are unknown, but The Post will keep you posted on any developments.