Economy Hits Bellacino's Pizza and Grinders Hard, Forces Restaurant to Close

After nearly ten years, Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders in Shelby Township has turned off the flashing red open sign.

Instead, hanging in the window of the restaurant on 26 Mile Road is a small white sign that says, “closed as of Oct. 21.”

Bellacino’s Marketing Manager Jason Pesola said the economy, bouts of road construction and rising price of doing business had taken a toll on local franchise owner, Ray Pini.

“The strain of the expenses finally won and he (Pini) was forced to close,” said Pesola.  “It was hard for him to do and it was the best decision.”

Pini of Shelby Township took a chance on the Michigan-based franchise nearly ten years ago. Now, there are 68 restaurants around the country.

For the people who can’t live without their Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders, you can head to the nearest locations, which are in Chesterfield and Orion Township.

As for Pini, Pesola said this is not the last Shelby Township has seen of him.

“I know that he deeply cares about the community and he will try to inject himself back into the business community one way or anther,” said Pesola.

Pini owns a small marketing company and Captain Cutty’s hot air balloon rides in Shelby Township.