Omaha, NE – After almost 12 years of serving the Blackstone neighborhood, Noli’s Pizzeria confirmed on Saturday that both of its locations will close permanently. The announcement came via a heartfelt social‑media post from owner Joel Marsh, who thanked longtime patrons for keeping the family‑run restaurant alive for nearly a decade.
Community‑driven farewell
“We’re closed, though. Appreciate you. You are the reason we were here for near 12 years. Love you all,” the post read. Marsh invited residents to celebrate the restaurant’s memory with a New Orleans‑style send‑off, emphasizing that the spirit of Noli’s will remain in the hearts of its supporters.
He also reassured employees that they would be taken care of during the shutdown, stating, “And we are going to take care of our employees. Never a question on that.” The commitment to staff reflects the family‑first values that have defined the business since its opening.
Financial pressures and construction setbacks
The closure follows a series of setbacks that began in September when the Blackstone location temporarily shut after two walk‑in coolers failed within six weeks. Marsh disclosed that he lacked the funds to replace the equipment, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $10,000 from generous neighbors.
Even with that outpouring of support, the restaurant faced ongoing challenges. Marsh cited the city’s streetcar construction project, which has been underway for the past two years, as a major factor. He estimated the construction caused over $300,000 in lost revenue, noting, “Sales have fallen substantially while food, labor, and operating costs have continued to rise, and we have been struggling just to keep our employees paid and the doors open.”
Neighborhood support and charitable efforts
Throughout its tenure, Noli’s became a staple of the Blackstone community. In January, after Marsh posted about the toll of construction and winter weather, neighbors purchased more than $25,000 in gift cards in just two days, a response Marsh described as “overwhelming and a very humbling experience.”
The pizzeria also contributed to local food‑security efforts, donating thousands of dollars in meals to neighbors in need, including special giveaways during last year’s government shutdown.
Owner’s reflections
Marsh reflected on the personal significance of the business, saying, “I built all of these, like with my dad, bare hands, all these tables, every surface. At the other restaurant and here, we built. I mean every recipe, everything you see is art to me.” His words underscore the deep family pride and craftsmanship that have defined Noli’s.
While the doors will soon close, the legacy of Noli’s Pizzeria lives on in the memories of the families who gathered there for pizza nights, community events, and a shared sense of belonging.
What’s next for the locations?
Marsh has not announced any plans for the vacant spaces, leaving the future of the two sites open to potential new businesses that could continue to serve the Blackstone neighborhood.
Residents who wish to share memories or support former employees are encouraged to reach out through the restaurant’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
