It's the final countdown for Playa Pizza, the Horizon West neighborhood staple that dished out more than just slices of pizza. Horizon West Info reported that the family-owned pizzeria will be closing its doors permanently on December 31. Known for its quality ingredients and inclusive hiring practices, Playa Pizza has found itself in a drawn-out legal tug-of-war that has left it with no choice but to shut down operations.
The trouble for Playa Pizza started early on with its construction phase prolonging from a planned 90 days to over a year. The company faced delays, disputes, and legal actions that siphoned resources, eventually leading to the harsh reality of closure. Court documents outline a bitter feud between the pizzeria, its landlords at Reams Development, and construction contractors over claims of delays, non-payment, and subpar work. These issues have left a substantial financial burden, including significant claims related to rent and construction costs, that the business could not surmount, ClickOrlando reported.
Since its opening in July 2022, Playa Pizza has become an integral part of the local dining scene, employing a staff that includes individuals from neurodiverse and disabled backgrounds. Despite these noteworthy contributions, the ongoing legal dispute compromised its viability. "This decision was not made lightly," the owners shared, as per Horizon West Info. "We are heartbroken that we couldn't see Playa Pizza grow and evolve as we had dreamed."
With the upcoming closure, Playa Pizza joins a growing list of Horizon West eateries that have shut down, indicating a trend that continues to rock the local restaurant industry. As part of their winding down process, the owners are open to rebirth in a new location and are calling for potential investors or partners to come forward. Additionally, they are selling the restaurant's equipment and furnishings as they draw the curtain on their current chapter.
Patrons who have come to love Playa Pizza's unique offerings, including its rooftop deck with views of Disney fireworks, will have one last chance to experience the magic on New Year's Eve.
