Stella Pizza & Restaurant Closing In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — After more than 30 years in business, Stella Pizza & Restaurant in Wallingford is closing its doors for good at the end of November.

Owner Cindy Fiorentino announced Monday with a “heavy heart” that Nov. 30 will be her last day of operation for Stella Pizza after 33 years. Stella Pizza, located in the downtown plaza at 11 South Colony Rd., has become a fixture in the Wallingford community.

The plaza was recently sold, and Fiorentino said that after “extensive conversations” between her lawyer and landlord, her lease will not be extended as “there are plans to move the entire plaza in a new direction.”

“I am very grateful to all my friends of many years for making Stella's not just a business, but my second home,” Fiorentino wrote in a post on Facebook. “I am also thankful for my landlord's cooperation to allow Stella Pizza to end its 33-year tenure by announcing my closing to my family, friends and loyal guests. I hope to make the remaining days of Stella's Pizza the best we possibly can. Thank you Wallingford, for being the home of Stella Pizza since 1987, our loyal customers for continuing to support our establishment, and the countless friends I've gained along the way. You have truly made Stella's feel like a member of your family.”

The community rallied around Stella’s when it was forced to close for about two weeks in 2018 due to financial hardship involving state taxes. A GoFundMe page raised about $5,000 in support of the restaurant, the Meriden Record-Journal reported at the time.

Stella’s fans were saddened by the news of the restaurant’s closing.

“Sad to hear this,” State Rep. Mary Mushinsky wrote in the comments under the Facebook post. “Stella's has been a warm and cozy place for so long. You have a lot of fans, Cindy!”

Another person wrote, “Wallingford is losing an iconic restaurant. You will most definitely be missed. Thank you for your food and friendship through the years.”

A former employee wrote, “My first real job was at Stella's at 16 years old. Some of my favorite memories are of working there and all the fun we had. I remember Friday and Saturdays we used to have a line out the door with people waiting to get in....great times. Stella's has always been my favorite Italian restaurant in Wallingford and is a staple to all of my friends and family, I'm really sad to see it go but wish everyone the best of luck and happiness.”