PORTLAND, Maine — After 47 years, the popular pizza and sandwich company Pizza Joint is closing its doors, the owners announced Wednesday on Facebook.
Both stores located at 448 Forest Ave. in Portland and 239 Ocean St. in South Portland are set to close on April 14.
"It is with great sadness that we have made the tough decision to close Pizza Joint. Our last day of operation will be Sunday, April 14th. This date is subject to change depending on how much crew we have in the last few days," the post stated.
With an iconic yellow sign showcasing a chef with a mustache flipping pizza dough high into the air, Pizza Joint has always been easy to spot from the road.
Customers were devastated by the news.
"Please tell us that this is a late April Fools prank! You have the best pizza," one comment on the post said.
"I almost started crying when I read this. Have been enjoying Pizza Joint since 1977. I have traveled from Waterville to Portland just to get your awesome pizza. Thanks for all the good eats over the years," another customer wrote.
Even former employees voiced their love for the pizza shop.
"I worked for Pizza Joint for over 20 years and managed the Portland Store for more than half of that. The owners were the BEST possible owners any young man starting a family could have hoped to work for," the former employee said.
With hundreds of comments and reactions online, it is clear this institution of cheesy goodness will be missed by many.
The owners noted in the post that they may close before April 14, depending on staffing.
"Get it while you can, folks," the post stated. "Thank you all for your loyalty and kindness over 47 great years. We couldn't have done it without you."