One of Denver’s Oldest Pizzerias Has Closed

The list of old-school pizza places in Denver got a little shorter this month. Earlier this year, we lost Englewood staple Frank the Pizza King after the building it called home for more than sixty years was sold to a new landlord; the property has since been acquired by a used car dealer. Now, Guiseppe’s, a Bear Valley staple since 1988, has also shuttered.

Located in the Dartmouth Place Shopping Center at 5600 West Dartmouth Avenue, Guiseppe’s Pizzeria served its last pie on September 30, after opting not to renew its lease.

Antoinette Russo originally opened the restaurant over 35 years ago, after she arrived in Denver from Napoli. She ran the joint until 2022, when she sold the business.

“The Giuseppe’s Pizzeria will always hold a special place in our hearts,” the Russo family shares in a statement to Westword. “Our Nonna, Antoinette Russo, spent over 30 years building it into a neighborhood favorite with her recipes, hard work, and love for her customers. When our family sold the business three years ago, it was thriving and true to her vision. Sadly, under new ownership, many changes were made that took Giuseppe’s away from what made it special, and it’s heartbreaking to see it close after such a long and successful run. We’re incredibly proud of what Nonna created and so grateful to everyone who supported Giuseppe’s and our family over the years.”

That new owner was Laura Frolick, who worked in Corporate America before taking on her first restaurant venture.

“In general, the business went really good,” Frolick says. “The community was very supportive. …I had never done a restaurant, so it was kind of a challenge for myself. I had a really great experience, and then, with minimum wage going up to almost $20 in Denver, things with the economy. And for that particular location, I don’t think the community was feeling pizza,” she adds, noting that the demographics have shifted in the area to a more predominantly Hispanic population.

“I just think that there were so many factors that played into the decision of closing, and part of it was that I just lost the passion for it,” she admits. “Not so much for the cooking, but just the economy. You talk to other business owners, and every challenge I was having, they were having.”

Frolick says another restaurant is already in the process of moving into the space. “I was very fortunate to take over such an established business,” she notes, though she’s going to be taking a break from the restaurant business and getting back into the world of technology.

“I think it’s time to step away and let the economy figure out what it’s going to do…then come back when it’s more settled, and really tap into what the world needs in terms of food. In that industry, there’s a lot that needs to change,” she concludes.

If this news has you craving pizza, check out our guide to the best spots in the metro area.