White City Pizza Closes Doors

After a year and a half of owning the business, Bob Newell, owner of , was forced to close the pizza place earlier this week.

"We were growing leaps and bounds, but one of our problems was overcoming the reputation the previous owner had in the town," Newell said. "And I ran out of money, but the new landlord of White City wouldn't work with me to keep the place open."

Newell said White City Pizza was originally opened in 1969 and had a long history in the community. "If I had known about the previous owner's reputation, I would have changed the name," said Newell, who was forced to close the pizza place on Tuesday night. "I even had a guy interested in buying the business from me, but the landlord stopped returning my calls and emails and I was forced to close."

Newell declined to appear in Westborough District Court on Thursday where he was facing eviction proceedings by White City East Partners LLC, the owners of the building. Calls to their attorney, Thomas J. Conte of Bowditch and Dewey were not returned.

"My attorney said to close the doors and that I didn't have to appear in court today," Newell said. "It's been a really sad time and a tough week."

Court documents revealed that Newell owes $14,243 in back rent as of Feb. 3. Court personnel said the case was continued, but would be dismissed if Newell pays the back rent.

Newell said the down economy may have helped his business. "In some ways it did help because people stopped eating out at more expensive restaurants and were eating out at pizza places and less expensive restaurants," he said. "But it did seem like the landlord had someone else in mind for the space and was looking to get a higher lease for that location."

Newell sent out an email to his customers on Wednesday thanking them for their service and explaining the situation. "Due to issues beyond my control with the new landlord of White City Shopping Center, I was forced to close the doors here at White City Pizza for the last time on Tuesday night, February 21st (Sort of a David and Goliath thing)," Newell wrote in the email. "I am investigating opportunities to re-open in another location."

Newell said he would like to reopen in a different location and has been looking for space in town. For more information and updates, email Newell at WhiteCityPizza@gmail.com.