GROVE CITY, Ohio — Sometimes the most special traditions are the simplest ones, and for many in Grove City, that means pizza from Zamarelli’s Pizza Palace.
After 61 years, the local favorite pizza joint is closing its doors for good.
"Growing up we would get it every Friday,” said Grove City native Jeffrey Glitt.
"I have tried many pizzas and nothing's like Zamarelli's,” said Crystal Schilling, another Grove City native.
This love might explain why so many people were willing to wait as long as three to four hours for one last piece of the pie.
"We've been in line for about an hour now so we have somewhat of a wait but it's worth it,” Schilling said.
"My dad is in Ireland right now and he heard that Zamarelli's was closing and so he texted me from Ireland saying, ‘Hey I need you to go to Zamarelli's and order me some pizza.’ So here I am at 2 o'clock today waiting in line for a 4 o'clock opening to order some pizza for my dad, so he can have it in June when he comes to Ohio from Florida,” said Shanna Crawford.
Lines were out the door from open to close since the announcement that Zamarelli’s would be closing its doors for good on Saturday.
"I was devastated, I was so sad,” Glitt said.
The owners, Jack Middendor and Tina Zamarelli-Middendorf, were stunned by the turnout from the community.
"We never expected this at all,” Tina said.
Tina said her father started the business in 1963 and passed it down to her and her husband, Jack, in 1991. For 61 years, the restaurant has been her family’s world.
"It's a hard life, you give up a lot to do this,” Tina said.
Now, Tina and Jack are ready to enjoy retirement as they eagerly await the birth of their first grandchild in May.
But as much as there is to look forward to, looking back is bittersweet.
"There are no words to describe what the community means to us,” Tina said.
A sign hung on display in front of the business where patrons were able to write thank you messages to the owners as they walked inside.
"I hope it shows them how much they mean to the community,” Glitt said.
The public support demonstrates a mutual love and respect for an establishment that will be remembered for years to come.
"The community has done way more for us than we've ever been able to do for them,” Tina said.