After an amazing 65 years the legendary De Lorenzo’s in Trenton have closed their doors. But not without giving their devoted fan base one last taste of their extraordinary tomato pies.

The owners, Gary and Eileen Amico, have been there since Eileen’s Mother and Father started up the restaurant in 1947, where they lived in the space above the pizzeria. “They put out a good product, stayed consistent with the products and it flourished” said Gary. “It’s a small place, you can cater to the customers … over the years you build up a clientele and it was just a mom and pop place that exploded”.

Patrons lined up outside and around the corner in freezing temperatures for hours for an opportunity to enjoy the thin crusted pride of Chambersburg. The closing of the cornerstone restaurant in Trenton marked an end of era, a sentiment that reverberated with past and current residents. “This is the last hurrah, really, the last hurrah for Trenton and the ‘burg. It’s a shame, it really is, because establishments like this are the finest ever and obviously (that) they lasted this many years is a testament to that.” said Hal Kerecman, a now Ocean township resident who grew up in Trenton.

But it was easy to see why De Lorenzo’s had so much success, especially when you talk to the customers. “It’s just the best, we’re going to miss it man, it’s the best!” said Raymond Chance, an 18 year patron. Mother and son, Joan and Don Deluca, have been traveling from Piscataway to De Lorenzo’s for about 30 years and said the environment, taste and family oriented aspects of the restaurant are the things they will miss the most. “Tomato pie at its finest, it’s absolutely the best pizza in the entire world” added Hal Kerecman. Pat Murphy of West Windsor recalls going to De Lorenzo’s as a child with her parents, “Chick (De Lorenzo), the founder, would come sit with us, he wouldn’t eat our pizza, but he would sit and talk with us. He loved it; he’d walk up and down”.

The atmosphere felt like a homecoming in the closing days, with Patrons traveling from long distances to visit De Lorenzo’s. The trips weren’t only about getting delicious pizza but also to say goodbye and give thanks to Gary and Eileen. “The end of many, many, great years here and I just appreciate all the years they have been in business and have fed my family and myself and we wish them all the best.” said Kerecman. Many embraces were exchanged between staff and the De Lorenzo faithful, the ending was bittersweet for Gary and Eileen. “I’ve been here a long time, worked nights, weekends for forty years, all of a sudden next week … what do I do? You know what I mean? It’s going to be an adjustment.” said Gary. “They feel like family to me, that I’ve met through here and see every week and that’s something that’s going to be missed.” said Eileen.

Gary and Eileen were very thankful for the support they have received over the years as they now plan to help out their Son’s (Sam Amico) De Lorenzo’s in Robbinsville, with the possibly of opening a Pennsylvania location down the road. “Just to say thank you to everyone for all the loyalty they have given us over the years, patronage, everything. I’m just going to miss everyone so much, I really am” said Eileen. Gary echoed those feeling, “I thank the customers that came here, they were loyal and appreciate all the business, it was a nice run.”

January 15th was their final day.