‘The struggle is real’: Small town pizza spot closes after 50 years

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB) -Belleview Pizza is no longer open for business after decades of serving Marion County.

The Manserra family tells TV20 they purchased the business from the original owners in 1991.

Residents like Rebecca Perez were shocked to find the local staple permanently closed.

“I’ve been here like ten years and my family goes there all the time and I walk by and I see it closed down,” she shared. “It was open last week and i’m just confused because everyone loves coming and it’s great and the people are nice…all of sudden it’s closed and there’s no answers why.”

The owners say the hard decision finally came after a decline in sales due to COVID-19.

Perez tells says she wants to see more businesses come to the area, instead of leaving.

“I’d like to see more stuff for the kids you know,” she stated. “Maybe like bowling alleys or arcades or something…maybe a public recreational pool.”

Though the Manserra family asked not to be quoted, they say they don’t have plans to sell the building, but could leave the food industry altogether.

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