Nino’s Pizza to close temporarily following death of longtime owner Margaret Maltese

The pizza ovens at a Lansdale staple known for its family roots and loyal following will soon go cold — at least for now — following the death of one of the people who helped define it.

In a message shared to Facebook Tuesday morning, the family behind Nino’s Pizza announced the shop will temporarily close, with its final day of service set for Friday, May 1. 

The decision comes in the wake of the passing of Margaret Maltese, described by the family as “the heart and backbone of the business.”

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for our family,” the post, written by Maltese's three children, Gabriella, Joseph, and Angelina, read. “Nino’s has always been more than just a pizza shop — it’s been a labor of love and a legacy built by our Nonno, Nino, and carried forward by our mom, Margaret.”

For decades, Nino’s has been a neighborhood fixture — part pizza counter, part community living room — where generations of customers grew up on slices, stories, and familiar faces behind the counter. 

The family credited Maltese as “an integral part of what always made Nino’s so special,” underscoring the personal loss behind the business decision.

The closure is described as temporary, with the family indicating plans to return at a later date. 

“We will keep everyone posted on updates of our return,” the statement said.

In the meantime, the family thanked customers for their support over the years, calling the outpouring of loyalty and shared memories “beyond words.”

For now, the ovens will cool after May 1 — but if the tone of the message is any indication, this story may still have another chapter waiting to be written.

Along with two grandchildren and children, Maltese is survived by her brother Philip, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother.