‘Harsh reality’ dooms Boise restaurant. It plans to serve remaining food to needy

Boise has one less spot to indulge in gooey mozzarella and steaming pepperoni.

Firenza Pizza, 999 W. Main St., has closed. Perched on the southeast corner of One Capital Center, it was the only Idaho location for the Virginia-based fast-casual chain.

Firenza opened downtown in 2018 with a build-your-own, assembly-line model. Pizzas were baked for three to five minutes in an open-flame, stone-hearth oven.

Thanking customers Tuesday on Facebook, the local franchisee explained that the restaurant faced multiple challenges. In October, hours of operation were cut because of lack of staffing.

“We gave all we could do and many came together to support us. However, the harsh reality is that downtown Boise is still not back to prepandemic activity, and with the workforce challenges, supply chain issues and fractures in our economy, we have come to accept the outcome.”

Firenza Pizza’s exit plan is “to serve the less fortunate in Boise with our remaining inventory.” Anyone who would like to contribute can purchase $10 pizzas online by selecting a “Feed those in need” option.

Firenza also might reopen for a final music night. If so, details will be shared on its Facebook page.

“We are also assisting our crew with finding new employment,” the post said, “so reach out if you would like to meet our team. We love you, Boise. We are grateful to have served you.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2021 at 10:28 AM.