Bloomington’s oldest pizzeria, Cafe Pizzaria, closes unexpectedly

Cafe Pizzaria has closed. In social media posts Wednesday, the Webb family, owners of Bloomington’s longest-running pizzeria, said they have decided to close the restaurant on East Kirkwood Avenue.

The restaurant’s website and Facebook post the following message:

Dear Bloomington,

We have decided it is time to retire and have more time to focus on our family. Thanks to all of our loyal customers over the past 70 years!

We especially want to thank all of our employees. You have been exceptional and we love each and every one of you.

Larry, Sharon, David, Crosby, Katie and Andrea

The closure will take effect on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Cafe Pizzaria has just been named the winner of a pizza poll conducted by The Herald-Times, topping the list of 46 pizzerias voted on by voters. Cafe Pizzaria received 41.75 percent of the poll, which ran from August 1 to 8.

Co-owner David Webb commented on the win: “The local villagers and IU have kept us going all these years and we really appreciate that.”

Closing Cafe Pizzaria: Customers Share Memories Bloomington Headquarters

Three generations of the Webb family have run the restaurant, beginning with Larry Webb who started at Cafe Pizzaria in 1962 and purchased the store in 1986. Cafe Pizzaria opened in 1953. His son David and grandson Crosby have worked at Cafe Pizzaria for many years.

In a recent article about Cafe Pizzaria, Crosby Webb said that it’s the sausage that makes Cafe Pizzaria special and better than other stores.