After nearly half of a century in business, a Flushing pizzeria is closing up shop. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
Amid the hustle and bustle on Main Street in downtown Flushing sits a relic from another time.
Not much has changed at Barone Pizzeria since it opened in 1971, but the same can't be said about the neighborhood around it.
"Out of I think eight pizza shops that were here, we're the last one or two that's left in the neighborhood," said owner Joseph Pace.
And next week, the neighborhood will be down another pizzeria. Pace says he lost his lease because the landlord wants more dough.
"The rents have gone so sky high that you can't afford to pay that kind of rent on pizza," Pace said.
Aldo Marachlian has been a customer since 1986. He says coming to Barone's brings him back to a simpler time.
"Right after high school, I'd come here and get my slice and then go home and do my homework," said Marachlian, a Flushing resident.
Others say the pizzeria has a sense of authenticity you just can't find anymore.
"I can't find a real pizza in New York City," said one customer.
"It's sad. I don't like to hear that some place that's been around for so long is moving out of the neighborhood. We need places that stay because it represents history," said Lauren Destefano, who works nearby.
As for the staff at Barone Pizza, they say what they'll miss the most is the people.
"Especially working on Main Street, you get to see a lot of people, meet a lot of people. And there are a lot of things to do. A lot of our customers are very friendly, and we know them we know them by heart, we know their order by heart," said employee William Yan.
Pace plans to keep those orders fresh in his mind. He's in the process of looking for a new storefront in Flushing but says he might be forced to move outside of the neighborhood.
"Hopefully, they can come and revisit where we go," Pace said.
If you want a piece of the pie, you have to act quickly. Barone's last day is Saturday.