Ancora Pizzeria will serve its final meals this month. The iconic pizzeria has played a significant role in the revitalization of Freret Street since opening in 2011. Chef Bryn Thompson took to Instagram to thank loyal guests and staff as he announced the restaurant’s upcoming closure. Ancora will serve authentic Neapolitan pizzas until the end of July.
Highlights
- Ancora Pizzeria of New Orleans will permanently close after service on July 31.
- The Uptown pizzeria became popular for preparing pizzas according to Neapolitan tradition.
- Chef Bryn Thompson said the team stayed committed to their original vision instead of adjusting to rapidly changing industry trends.
Final Service Month for Ancora Pizzeria
Ancora Pizzeria will close for business by the end of the month. Chef Bryn Thompson shared a post on Instagram revealing the challenges that led to the tough decision.
“It’s been a long journey here at Ancora for everyone, and we have loved every second of feeding you the best food we can possibly make, but it is finally time for us to close up shop,” wrote Thompson on Monday.
Reflecting on the lasting effects of the pandemic, Thompson noted that many beloved restaurants in New Orleans and beyond were forced to shut down. The ones that remain open have had to adapt to new safety protocols and restrictions.
Ancora Pizzeria took a different approach to address these changes.
The team opted to stay true to their dine-in experience, choosing not to pivot to delivery models or shift their concept to chase changing market demands.
Thompson thanked members of staff including dishwashers, cooks, servers, bartenders, managers, and partners who joined him in the journey. He also extended gratitude to Chef Alfredo Nogueira, who gave the team a chance to create the most exceptional dining experience.
The restaurant has long emphasized locally sourced ingredients, believing fresh produce is key to standout flavor. Ancora Pizzeria will offer its unique pizzas, homemade salumi, pasta dishes, Italian wine, and cocktails until its closure. It will remain open until July 31.
Impact on Local Dining Scene
In adherence to the traditional Neapolitan method, Ancora Pizzeria baked pizzas directly on the oven floor. The pizzeria has been a Freret Street mainstay since opening in 2011. Since its establishment, the team behind the restaurant dedicated themselves to offering its patrons the finest pizza the city had to offer.
Ancora earned a loyal following for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas made with time-honored techniques. Beyond its menu, Ancora championed sustainability and community by encouraging guests to support local sourcing.
After nearly 14 years in business, Ancora Pizzeria closes as one of the key players that helped shape Freret Street’s restaurant revival.
