Santa Maria Pizza Abruptly Closes, Its Middlesex Ave Plaza May Be Torn Down

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington now has one less pizza place.

Santa Maria Pizza, located at 362 Middlesex Avenue, closed on Saturday, October 24, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. The closing was abrupt with no warning to customers.

“The owners — brothers Yousef and Bibo – are looking to relocate,” former employee Niko Pappas told Wilmington Apple. “They weren’t forced out. The location just wasn’t optimal for business.”

“The owners were the nicest, most hardworking guys I’ve ever met,” Pappas continued. “I really hope they can run a successful business elsewhere… They deserve it.”

In addition to offering delicious pizza, calzones, subs, and pasta, the restaurant gained popularity for serving Richardson’s Ice Cream, which it would even deliver to customers in Wilmington and parts of Tewksbury and North Reading. The restaurant also provided catering services.

Santa Maria Pizza opened in Wilmington since 2010, succeeding Alexandria Pizza. The rest of the storefronts in its plaza have been long vacant, with the closure of The Family Treasure Chest consignment shop in May 2014 and The Donut Shop in September 2012.

Boylston Realty Advisors have been attempting to find a leaser for the plaza since May.

According to their website, the plaza (9,800 square feet) — along with the 2-story building behind it (4,600 square feet) — sits on 2 acres that are zoned for “general business.” Coupled with its proximity to the Wilmington North Train Station and the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the site could prove to be a desirable location for future businesses.

Boylston’s listing notes the existing two structures could remain, or the entire property could be re-developed.

Santa Maria Pizza’s closing comes just three weeks after the opening of Sweet Pizza in the plaza next to Target on Ballardvale Street.

(NOTE: A call and email to Boylston Realty Advisors was not returned. Photo is from Santa Maria’s Facebook page.)

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