Pica’s in Upper Darby Closes After Final Night: Highlights from the Italian Restaurant’s Farewell Events
Pica’s Restaurant, a beloved fixture in Upper Darby, concluded its 69-year run with a heartfelt farewell that drew a loyal crowd eager to commemorate the end of an era. The establishment, founded in 1941 by Frank Pica Sr. as a brick-oven pizza shop in West Philadelphia, relocated to West Chester Pike in Upper Darby in 1956, evolving into a full-service dining experience renowned for its unique square pizza topped with sauce. This signature dish garnered notable acclaim, including recognition on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by Upper Darby native Tina Fey.
As patrons gathered for the final night, a poignant atmosphere enveloped the restaurant. Many had made enduring memories at Pica’s, celebrating life’s milestones from birthdays to anniversaries. This sentiment was evidently reflected on social media, where numerous customers expressed their sadness at the impending closure, describing the restaurant as a “landmark” and a “core memory.”
The decision to close the Upper Darby location was not taken lightly. The restaurant has been a cornerstone of the community, seating 250 in the dining area and hosting an additional 200 in its banquet room. However, the aging infrastructure and challenges in staffing post-pandemic prompted the owners to reassess the viability of the location. Frank Pica III, part of the restaurant’s third-generation ownership, acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, emphasizing the significance of the restaurant to both the family and the community.
On the evening of closure, various patrons, including families and long-time customers, filled the restaurant. A television in the lobby displayed moments from Pica’s storied history, while the same decor that had remained since its early days lent a nostalgic ambiance to the gathering. Guests enjoyed classic fare such as pizza, mozzarella sticks, and pasta, with the last sips of Montepulciano wine being shared among those present.
Long-time staff members also reflected on the restaurant’s legacy. Shannon Murphy, who had served at Pica’s for 27 years, described the closure as bittersweet, sharing emotional memories not only with patrons but also among her close-knit team. The Pica family has plans to continue the legacy with a takeout restaurant slated to open in Broomall, emphasizing that although the Upper Darby location is closing, the essence of Pica’s will persist in the community.
As customers departed, many took the opportunity to keep mementos such as the last menus, solidifying their connection to the cherished establishment. For many, the goodbye is laden with nostalgia and the hope of new memories to come in the future location. Through its extensive history and community ties, Pica’s Restaurant will remain a fondly remembered institution in Delaware County.
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