Tonight was supposed to be John’s Pizzeria’s last night of doing business in the Wicker Park neighborhood (sort of) of Chicago. The name might not register on the national pizza lovers’ polls, but it’s a favorite of northsiders.

The nondescript little ristorante has been turning out pizzas and Italian specialties since 1957. Unfortunately for regulars, semi regulars and pizza savants that only learned of the closing, they’ll miss out on a last chance to sample some very good thing crust pizza in a unique atmosphere. The restaurant isn’t closing because of the pandemic, rather family differences were cited. One sibling owns the property, the other ran the business. While the edifice isn’t impressive, it’s in a changing neighborhood and they can probably fetch a bundle.

As is the case when a local institution sets to shut their doors, the demand for the product increases exponentially. One needn’t be a regular to appreciate a place like John’s because everyone is welcome and in Chicago people will go to great lengths to enjoy pizzas of all ilk, Italian beefs, hotdogs. Guides appear in print as well as on social media. Last year, the crowds showing up for Gulliver’s last stand were crazy.

The interior of John’s looks more like a neighborhood diner and not a typical Italian pizza joint.

Note the stools and counter on the left. This picture was shot through the window.

From what I’ve read, John’s favorite extended beyond pizza. Families held important celebrations there for years. People went on first dates, cried over spilled tomato sauce and made personal connections. That John’s was forced to close isn’t especially unique or tragic. However, that “circumstances” prevented many people from getting the chance to say ciao is a little disappointing.

I had plans to swing by earlier this week, but I wasn’t quick enough. Neither my memories nor my emotional connection to John’s were strong enough to warrant a tear. However, I worked in the area for 9 summers and counted John’s among the best bets in the area for a thin pizza. I was also looking forward to soak in the vibes like I did at Gulliver’s, Trader Vic’s and others that I closed.

Yes, I know I ended with a preposition.

For better or worse, I can think of at least 15 pizza options that have closed in the past 20 years that have meant more to me. I also have no doubt that 3 more will close by the time I finish typing. We can all list our favorite whatever’s that have closed and that we miss and there is nothing we can do about it.

Support your local, family operations as you never know when family politics or the next generation will screw things up.

To the folks at John’s, thanks for the memories and pizza!