Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery in Zanesville closes after 30-plus years, but its story isn't over

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio pizzeria known for New York-style pies announced it's closing after more than 30 years of business.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery at 1250 Maple Ave. in Zanesville permanently shuttered on March 24, co-owners Antonino Russo and Vincenzo Buzzetta shared on social media. Russo and Buzzetta's other longtime Picnic Pizza location in the Colony Square Mall will remain open, one of two original remaining stores that opened with the mall in 1981.

"We are so thankful for being able to serve our customers at the Italian Eatery since 1992, but now we want to be able to spend more time with our families," the social media post said. "We are still serving our original pizza products at the Colony Square Mall shop, and hope to see all of our loyal Italian Eatery customers there."

Picnic Pizza's closing came as Zamarelli's Pizza Palace at 4011 Front St. in Grove City closed earlier this month after 61 years in business. The restaurant opened to customers in 1963 under Andy Zamarelli, offering customers a variety pizza, subs and salads and other Italian dishes including spaghetti, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan and more.

Meanwhile, several other pizza eateries are opening in central Ohio this spring and summer. Tony's Pizza at 946 Galloway Road in Galloway is welcoming patrons after opening on April 2, taking over the former location of OH Pizza and Brew which moved to its downtown spot at 88 E. Broad St. in 2018.

JT’s Pizza and Pub is opening a new pizzeria at 845 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights this summer, partnering with Elford Development to open the location at the Southern Station apartment complex. The shop, known for its pizza, wings, calzones and more, also operates a Columbus location at 2390 W. Dublin Granville Rd.

In addition, Ronetti’s Pizza at 23 South Main Street in London has expanded with a food truck traveling across central Ohio. Not only will the food truck serve pizza and subs, but customers can also buy from Layla’s Sweet Treats Ice Cream as well.