I got this sad news during the little league parade today.

After over 35 years as a Rio Linda landmark, after many years of hosting post-game celebrations, community meetings, little league signups, and Friday night family dinners, the current owner has been unable to come to a new lease agreement with the shopping center ownership, and Papa’s Pizzeria will be closing it’s doors on April 23, 2016.

Papa’s started as Graziano’s at the MarVal Plaza back in the early 80s. Later, it became Romano’s Pizza, and an entire generation of Gen-X’ers were raised on their pizza, breadsticks and calzones. Even later it became Papa’s Pizzeria. Once MarVal closed, and Food Source opened at Rio Linda and Elkhorn, Papa’s Pizzeria moved to the new shopping center. MarVal Plaza has struggled with businesses and traffic since.

One employee said “For me not only will I be losing a job but I feel like I will be losing a part of the past. Papa’s has been part of our community for so long.”

So until April 23rd, you have a chance to go get one last calzone, or Papa burger, or squareburger.

The long time employees of Papa’s have extended their thanks to the community for supporting the business for so many years.