Phoenix favorite Pizzeria Bianco calls it quits in downtown Tucson
Sep 19, 2016, 12:51 PM
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — A popular Phoenix-based pizza place has shut down its Tucson location after two years.
Pizzeria Bianco owner Chris Bianco told Tucson.com closing last weekend was one of the most difficult decisions he’s made in his decadeslong career.
The James Beard award-winner also said Saturday’s move was the first time he’d had to close a restaurant. The pizzeria opened to much fanfare. Bianco’s pizza have earned accolades from across the country and praised by Gourmet magazine, Oprah Winfrey’s show and Martha Stewart.
The downtown restaurant, on Congress Street near Fifth Avenue, was surrounded by construction, including that of a nearby hotel and had a small kitchen, he said.
Bianco told the blog Tucsonfoodie, “I’m incredibly proud of our team, our farmers and purveyors, and the food we put out” said Bianco. “But just like any relationship, sometimes you have to ask if it’s good for me, too.”
Bianco said he was hopeful of finding new home in Tucson.
The Phoenix sites enjoy long lines and diners willing to wait hours to eat. The pizzerias are at Sixth and Adams streets and 20th Street and Camelback Road and a sandwich offshoot, Pane Bianco, at Central Avenue near Indian School Road.
The catering arm in Tucson would stay in operation, Bianco said.