Fricano’s Pizza to Close one West Michigan Restaurant

A family with a 70-year legacy of pizza in West Michigan is closing one of their  restaurants.

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In 1949 the late Cosimo (Gus) Fricano, founded what some believe to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, Fricano's Pizza Tavern, in Grand Haven.

Since then, different family members have opened multiple locations across West Michigan. Phil Fricano opened a restaurant in Alamo in the late 1970s. Along with his wife Chris, he opened a second location at 107 E Main St SE in Caledonia in 2013.

The menu includes pizza, soups and salads, and dinners like Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna, Spaghetti, and Ribs.

The owners shared the news of the Caledonia restaurant's closure to Facebook earlier this week. They are retiring and this is the last week the restaurant will operate as Fricano's.

They write,

As one year ends and another begins, so do new adventures for our family. It is time for retirement. This will be our last week operating as Fricano's We would like to thank our amazing staff and loyal customers for all your support during our time in Caledonia.

Saturday, January 6 will be Fricano's of Caledonia's last day in business.

They say a new owner is taking over and will reopen as a new restaurant at some point soon in 2024.

In a comment on the post, someone asked if all other Fricano's restaurants would be closing.

The owners replied,

Oh no, absolutely not. Only Fricanos of Caledonia.

Fans of the restaurant are sharing their sadness at the news.

MaryJo writes,

I absolutely love this restaurant and am so sad it is going away. Have a wonderful retirement.

Shelly says,

You have been a wonderful and much needed addition to Caledonia and I am sad to see you go but happy for what awaits you in the next chapter of your lives.

We'll keep you posted on what new restaurant will be opening up in Fricano's place!