After more than 50 years of serving delicious Italian American food, DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza in Woodmere is closing its doors. This cozy, family-friendly restaurant has been a go-to spot for anyone living in Cleveland’s eastern suburbs. Located at 27349 Chagrin Boulevard, Village Square Pizza has been the place to enjoy comforting meals with loved ones, whether it was a regular Friday night tradition or a special family dinner.
A Place Full of Memories
For many people who grew up in the area, DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza was a place where they made fond memories. The restaurant was known for its simple yet tasty dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce, chicken parmigiana, and, of course, its pizzas. The white pizza, a unique offering at the time, was especially popular and introduced many young diners to new flavors.
The Man Behind It All
For the last 27 years, Joe DeGaetano has been the heart and soul of Village Square Pizza. At 86 years old, Joe has decided it’s time to retire and close the restaurant, a decision shared by his daughter, Melissa. Before owning the restaurant, Joe ran a produce business at the Northern Ohio Food Terminal, which explains his passion for using fresh ingredients in every dish.
Under Joe’s leadership, DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza became known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, where families could enjoy good food in a relaxed setting. It wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a place where people felt at home.
The Food: Simple and Delicious
The menu at DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza had something for everyone. Whether you wanted a light salad, a hearty pasta dish, or a slice of pizza, you could find it here. The Village Salad was a favorite starter, and the chicken dishes like Chicken Marsala and Chicken Parmigiana were always a hit.
The pizzas were the stars of the show, with options ranging from classic red sauce to more creative choices like Pesto Alfredo. Customers could also build their own pizzas, picking from a variety of toppings to make each meal just the way they liked it.
Clean and Comfortable
DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza was known not just for its tasty food, but also for its clean and comfortable environment. Joe made sure that the kitchen was always up to health and safety standards, so customers could enjoy their meals without worry. The restaurant’s long-standing reputation for quality and cleanliness showed Joe’s dedication to running a place where people could dine happily.
Why DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza is Closing
The decision to close DeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza comes as owner Joe DeGaetano approaches his 86th birthday. After nearly three decades of running the restaurant, Joe has decided it’s time to retire. The day-to-day demands of managing the restaurant have become more challenging, and Joe feels it’s the right time to step back and enjoy a well-deserved rest. According to his daughter Melissa, the decision was made with careful consideration, and while it’s a bittersweet moment, it’s also a chance for Joe to relax after many years of hard work. The closure is a natural conclusion to a long and successful run, marking the end of an era for this beloved community spot.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As the restaurant prepares to close on Sunday, February 27, the community is taking a moment to remember the good times shared at Village Square Pizza. From birthday parties to quiet family dinners, the restaurant has been a part of many special moments.
While it’s sad to see Village Square Pizza go, the memories made there will live on. Joe DeGaetano’s legacy of serving great food in a friendly, welcoming environment will not be forgotten by those who had the pleasure of dining there.
