UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. — A University City restaurant that has been in operation since 1956 will close by the end of the year.
Frank & Helens Pizzeria announced Tuesday that its last night of service will be Dec. 8.
St. Louis Magazine reported in April that the pizzeria's landlord sold the building, located at 8111 Olive Blvd., to a new owner who wanted to open a new restaurant concept in the space. Becca and Patrick Horvath, who have owned the business since 2008, negotiated a one-year lease while they looked for a new location.
"We have been on the search for over a year and after looking at two dozen buildings and talking to our banker, we have decided a move is just not feasible for us," the owners said in a Facebook post. "We are unwilling at this time in our lives to take out a million dollar loan."
The pizza joint has been a staple in University City for nearly 70 years and is well-known for its "broasted" chicken, which is marinated, breaded and cooked in a pressure fryer.
"Thank you for all your support during this process and look forward to seeing everyone between now and Dec. 8," the restaurant said.
