Restaurants

Espresso Pizza in Medford has permanently closed

"It has been a pleasure to serve our community over the years but we are getting old and tired."

Espresso Pizza announced it has closed for good. Foad Roshan via Unsplash

By Erin Kuschner

January 3, 2022

Bar Lyon says ‘with a heavy heart’ it will close doors Friday

A Medford pizzeria popular with Tufts University students said its final goodbyes in December.

Espresso Pizza announced in a Facebook post on Dec. 21 that it had closed its doors at 336 Boston Ave. for good.

“A big thank you to all our customers, family and friends who have supported us over the years,” the post read. “Your kind words and comments touched our hearts. Espresso Pizza is officially closed. We will miss all of you!”

Owner Patty Moore took over the decades-old pizzeria after her brother, former Espresso Pizza owner Anthony Salvato Jr., passed away in 2010. In a Dec. 17 Facebook post, Moore announced she is retiring.

“My brother, Anthony Salvato Jr., bought Espresso Pizza in the 1970s,” Moore wrote. “Espresso Pizza has been a staple in the community for decades. Anthony worked hard to create an established business and provide for his cherished family. He went above and beyond for the community and those in need. When he passed away, I was determined to keep his legacy alive. After 9 great but long and exhausting years, I will be retiring and Espresso Pizza will be permanently closing.”

The post went on to thank Espresso’s family, friends, and customers, noting that “It has been a pleasure to serve our community over the years but we are getting old and tired.”

The Dec. 21 closing announcement shared that Pini’s Pizzeria, another local pizza restaurant, will be moving into the space.

In response to the news, customers shared their memories and well wishes.

“Thank you for the food and the times you helped shape,” Matthew Hoh wrote. “My friends and I are sad to learn you are closing but grateful for the memories. Best of luck in your retirement.”

“Thank you & your family for all that you have given to & done for the community,” Jacquie Furtado wrote. “Your pizza shop meant & will always mean a lot to many. And I will always hold Anthony dear in my heart. He helped me conquer significant hurdles just by treating me fairly.”

Scott Kasper, a former employee, also gave his thanks.

“This is a sad day indeed,” Kasper wrote. “I worked there as an undergrad in 1987-88, had a blast and ate way too much awesome pizza and calzone!! Thanks for taking care of so many Jumbos over the years!”