After 17 Years of Neapolitan Pizzas, This Northeast Restaurant Will Close Saturday

Saturday night will mark the end of a wood-fired pizza era as East Hennepin Avenues Pizza Nea serves its last meal. The restaurant, owned by Mike Sherwood, made the announcement on Wednesday that this would be its final week in business.

Sherwood first opened St. Paul Bagelry in 1995 as a bagel shop by day, Pizza Napoletana by night. It was 2002 when he opened Pizza Nea on Northeast’s busy thoroughfare and sold the bagel shop the following year.

In its time, Pizza Nea has been a popular gathering spot for families and fans of the thin-but-chewy crust perfected there. The restaurant has also been home to one of the best vegan pies around. Through it all, Sherwood has been an active supporter of neighbors, fast to jump in on fundraisers, spread word when someone needs a hand, and an outspoken critic to injustice on social media.

Pizza Nea will close after dinner service on Saturday September 21.

• Pizza de Resistance [Twitter]
• After 17 years, Pizza Nea on Hennepin Av. is closing [STRIB]
• 16 Essential Twin Cities Pizzas [ETC]