Salerno’s Apizza, a Stratford eatery founded in 1947, to close in July

Salerno”™s Apizza, one of the most enduring restaurants in Stratford, is closing.

Located at 1398 Barnum Ave., Salerno”™s opened in 1947 and has been operated by its eponymous family. Carlo Salerno, the restaurant”™s owner, announced the news on social media and cited his personal situation and the wider economy as contributing to his decision.

“I had planned to close Salerno”™s by my 80th birthday this coming July,” he wrote. “I felt 80 is a good age for me to retire. We have owned and operated Salerno”™s for over 75 years and at this time, it”™s become increasingly difficult for me to keep our doors open.”

“Let”™s face it, the COVID years”¦. the shortage of qualified workers”¦. and the current recession has devastated the restaurant business in Connecticut”¦. Look around”¦. Sadly, Salerno”™s is no exception,” he added.

Salerno thanks the restaurant”™s customers, stating his family was “truly grateful for the support and loyalty you and your families have shown our pizzeria over the past 75 years. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your kind words and continued patronage have meant the world to us, and we will cherish the memories we have made together since 1947.”