Roman Fountain Pizza, a family-run staple on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, quietly served its last pies on Thursday, Feb. 19, closing the book on more than 70 years in the neighborhood. The longtime pizzeria, known as a reliable option for both quick takeout and casual dine-in, has left a noticeable hole for regulars and nearby businesses now looking for a new go-to spot.
The closure was first shared in a brief Facebook announcement and detailed by WKYC. In the message, the owners said the decision came after "much reflection" and acknowledged that "this choice wasn't easy." The outlet also confirmed that the Detroit Avenue shop wrapped up service on Feb. 19. While the post thanked customers for their years of support, it stopped short of outlining any specific next steps or future plans.
A local mainstay since the 1950s
According to Roman Fountain, the business had been serving pizza in Lakewood since the mid-1950s. Over the decades, the menu grew to include calzones, stromboli, subs, pasta and wings, along with full-sheet pizzas and party trays that made the shop a dependable choice for family dinners and larger gatherings. Those crowd-pleasing staples helped keep the restaurant anchored on Detroit Avenue even as dining trends and neighboring storefronts changed around it.
What the announcement left unsaid
The short farewell message cited by WKYC did not address what comes next for the building, the staff, or the Roman Fountain brand itself. There was no indication of whether the owners might consider reopening in another location or if a new operator could eventually take over the Detroit Avenue space. For now, neighbors and local business watchers are left to speculate, keeping an eye out for any new signage or public records that could hint at the property's future.
Where to find the announcement
The owners posted their notice on the restaurant's Facebook page, where customers can still see the final message. Roman Fountain also offers background on the shop's history and menu for anyone revisiting what was on offer during its seven-decade run. Local reporting has compiled the text of the Facebook announcement and confirmed the Feb. 19 closing date for readers looking for the original details. This story will be updated if the owners or property managers share concrete plans for the now-vacant space.
