Longtime Pizzeria in Midlothian Bids Farewell After Nearly Four Decades

Kenootz Pizza in Midlothian has closed after nearly four decades in business as its longtime owners announced their retirement.

Written By Deepali Singla
Street view of 38 years old pizzeria in Illinois, Kenootz Pizza (Source: Google Reviews - Kenootz Pizza)

Kenootz Pizza, which has been in business for almost forty years, has closed down operations in Midlothian. The retirement of owners led to this decision, leaving longtime customers in shock with the sudden announcement.

Kenootz Pizza Closes After Nearly Four Decades

Kenootz Pizza was started in 1988 by a duo who worked for 38 years for the success of this concept. The restaurant had based its reputation on classic thin-crust pizza, which is made using its own ingredients and varieties of classic toppings.

Besides pizza, the menu also included many Italian classics like pasta, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. The pizzeria catered to generations of local families and became a regular place to have dinner on weekdays, host parties, and socialize.

Its long-lasting performance in a competitive food industry showed its consistency in quality, customer base, and a strong relationship with them.

Kenootz Pizza left its customers in shock as it suddenly announced closure and served the last meal on February 12, 2026. They thanked the community for the years of love and remembered longtime friends they gained in the journey. People are sad as they could not get a chance to visit their neighborhood staple one last time.

Why Did the Legacy End

The decision to close followed the decision of the owners to retire after 38 years of working in the restaurant business. After thinking about it and making multiple decisions, owners Dee and Ken announced that they won’t be continuing the pizzeria.

The announcement post read, “I started Kenootz when I was just 23 years old in 1988, when Ronald Reagan was president, and have worked to build it for the past 38 years.”

The closing of Kenootz Pizza symbolizes the conclusion of one more neighborhood pizzeria. As the owners retire, the establishment has left a legacy that was created by years of support from the community.

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Deepali Singla is a food technologist by discipline and a seasoned, versatile writer by profession. Her passion for writing emerged during her academic journey. With a strong foundation in research, she excels at crafting well-researched content. Combining technical knowledge with a flair for storytelling, Deepali brings depth and clarity to her work.
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