Columbia’s Arris’ Pizza location closed its doors on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Thomas Rost, the owner of the Columbia location, said that after an 18-year run, the pizza joint had run its course.
Although Rost is sad to say goodbye, he is excited for his new chapter.
“I look forward to spending time with my family,” Rost said. “I have a daughter who’s nine, her name is Lucy, and I have a son, Andrew, who’s three and my wife, Liz. I’m kind of looking to the future, and I’m happy to spend more time with them.”
Arris’ Pizza originated in Jefferson City. In September of 1961, pizza restaurants were scarce in Jefferson City, so Arris Pardalos decided to start his own joint. Due to a family and community-oriented environment, success hit Arris’ Pizza, and it became a chain reaching Springfield, Republic and Columbia, Missouri.
Rost opened the Columbia location after being close friends with Arris and his son George. After experiencing the lighthearted, positive community at Arris’ Pizza in Jefferson City, he was sold on the idea of opening one in Columbia.
“I hope people enjoyed the place, enjoyed the food, enjoyed their friends, enjoyed their families,” Rost said. “You know, we certainly have enjoyed all of our customers, employees and the community, and our Columbia has been very, very good to us.”
While Rost believes it is time for Arris’ Pizza to close, many patrons are sad to see their beloved restaurant go.
On a post made to Arris’ Pizza’s Facebook page, a company representative stated, “We are saddened by the decision of having to close down our Columbia, Missouri location. Thank you to all of our supporters for years of patronage.”
Many users responded to the post by sharing their experience with Arris’ Pizza.
One commenter wrote, “This makes me so sad! I worked there all through college and always loved to stop in for an Athena or Zeus when I was in town!”
Another user commented, “I’m heartbroken about the closure, but I’m committed to continuing my support for Arris’ Pizza in Springfield! You have a loyal customer in me!”
In response, Rost hopes Arris’ Pizza made an impact in the greater Columbia community. As he enters the next phase of life, Rost said he will always remember the joy of Arris’ Pizza.
“I really enjoyed making pizzas,” Rost said. “But no, what I really enjoy is meeting thousands of people that have come to the restaurant and becoming friends with them.”
Edited by Jae Jepsen | [email protected]
Copy edited by Avery Copeland | [email protected]
Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]
