Strapazza in Towson has closed

According to the outgoing message at Strapazza on Allegheny Avenue in Towson, they are closed and “will not re-open.” The message also says, “Strapazza thanks you very much for 25 years of beautiful customer support.”

The owner of the restaurant, which was beloved by many, could not be reached for comment. But court records indicate the landlord had taken Strapazza to court and won a judgement of more than $52,000.

Edward C. Covahey Jr., attorney for the plaintiff, declined to comment on the case.

Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said she had talked with the people who run the restaurant.

“They owned that business for over 25 years and were very thankful to serve our community.  However, closing was the best decision for the family,” she said. “We are truly saddened.”

A spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Health and Human Services said the restaurant’s closure was not related to any restaurant-inspection issues.

According to a Baltimore Sun story from the year 2000, Strapazza once had at least eight locations.

From the restaurant’s website:

The Strapazza story began when 16 year old Luigi Coppola came to the United States from Naples, Italy and began a small pizza shop on Reisterstown Road. His dream was to bring the delicious Italian food he remembered to the U.S.

It wasn’t long before Luigi was joined by family members to help expand the successful restaurant. Strapazza soon grew to a variety of locations and remained focused on supporting the community and giving back to the loyal customers who helped build the business. Luigi generously shared his restaurant expertise with countless individuals who have gone on to launch their own restaurants in Maryland and beyond. The Strapazza concept has even been enjoyed as far away as Florida! … 

We are grateful for the many customers and friends who have supported Strapazza through the years and look forward to welcoming new friends into the Strapazza family.

Grazie!