There are mixed emotions on the reopening of iconic restaurant Pizza Oven after a social media post announced that the restaurant has reopened under new ownership- just a couple days after it seemingly closed permanently.
The restaurant, located at 6029 66th Street in Riverdale (Prince George’s County), has been in the same location since September 1957 and is a pioneer of Maryland Style Pizza. In December, an announcement was made that 90 year-old owner, Takoma Park native Brian Boileau, would be retiring at the end of the year and that the restaurant would be closing.
Boileau opened the flagship location in Riverdale Park in 1957 and had several locations through the years, including in Montgomery County and as far as the eastern shore. The Riverdale location has been the one constant- remaining open for over 66 years.
While the restaurant celebrated its last days with a packed house and did close on December 31st, an announcement was made on January 2nd that “Pizza Oven is now open under new ownership. Same recipes, same employees! Most people were happy at the news of the restaurant continuing to operate, but some felt a little deceived after they made it to the restaurant “one last time” prior to its closing on December 31st.”
Most are excited that the iconic restaurant will continue to operate, especially with the same employees and recipes (minus founder Brian Boileau). Boileau will get to enjoy retirement and fans of the restaurant will be able to continue enjoying the food. One commenter even asked for a Rockville location to be brought back.