Sound Beach Pizza, Grill & Deli Closes Its Doors

GREENWICH, CT — After decades in business, Sound Beach Pizza, Grill & Deli has closed its doors.

The Old Greenwich staple, located at 178 Sound Beach Ave., made an announcement on Facebook earlier this week. They officially closed on May 7.

The announcement came with a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser, which was created a week ago. To date, over $1,700 has been raised.

"In the past 4 years the business has struggled immensely, beginning with construction to the train station, the COVID pandemic which has caused a further decline in foot traffic and sales with lack of employees willing to work," said Natalie Lorentzos, daughter-in-law of Demos Lorentzos, the owner. Natalie said she made the fundraiser without Demos knowing.

"To make matters worse the town is now doing work on the main road. Food cost have gone up as well as rental increases. This business has been apart of the Old Greenwich community since 1947 and they are now facing eviction," she added.

In an update posted Thursday, Natalie said she originally decided to close the fundraiser, but re-opened it after receiving support from the community.

"I however have received messages that people would like to donate to help him and perhaps future endeavors," she said in the update. "Any donation or message is appreciated to show support. I think when he is to see this he will feel truly like his small presence meant something in the community. Thank you all."

According to the restaurant's website, the business was originally named Old Greenwich Delicatessen by the original owners, Richard Pan and Adrian Hanniford.

The two sold the business to Vincent Arcuri in 1968, who renamed it "Arcuri's" and added pizza to the menu.

In 1998, Arcuri sold the business to Demos and two of his friends. Demos had been working at Arcuri's as a manager.

The restaurant was then renamed Sound Beach Pizza, Grill & Deli in 2006.

The eatery offered breakfast, sandwiches, wraps and hamburgers, along with dinner entrees like chicken parmigiana and chicken piccata, pasta dishes and salads. There was, of course, different pizzas, specialty pies, calzones, rolls and strombilis.

One longtime customer expressed sadness in the Facebook comments of the closure announcement.

"NO. This simply cannot be happing. My family has been enjoying your food and hospitality for close to 20 years," the person said. "Please stay open."

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