RIP Grandma: O4W Pizza Is Closing at Irwin Street Market [Updated]

The unassuming pizzeria that took Atlanta by storm is packing up and moving on. O4W Pizza will close its Irwin Street Market location and focus solely on the new Duluth outpost, according to Reddit user SmittyATL. Owner Anthony Spina confirmed the report in a brief email to Eater Atlanta: "Yeah, it's true."

Spina posted a note at the location thanking O4W Pizza's supporters and announcing its impending shutter, which will come at the end of service Friday. He indicated the pizzeria was unable to secure a new home in the neighborhood.

Via What Now Atlanta

O4W Pizza first opened in Irwin Street Market in January 2015. Spina's now-famous Grandma Pie immediately became a huge hit, and it quickly was tabbed as best in Atlanta by Creative Loafing. The pizzeria announced plans to open a second location in Duluth three months ago. That outpost is setting up shop in the former Steverino's space at 3117 Main St. Despite the far-from-Old Fourth Ward address, Spina is keeping the "O4W" moniker as a way to "remember where we came from."

Reached for comment by phone, Irwin Street Market owner Jake Rothschild told Eater Atlanta he's "devastated" over the pizzeria's shutter, but he holds no ill will toward Spina.

"We really are very, very sad about him leaving," Rothschild said. "This was in no way a failed negotiation. He just only ever wanted a one-year lease so he could make a decision about what he would do next. ... He's physically moved to Duluth, he just made a family decision to do that. And while it sucks for everybody concerned, I want to wish him all the happiness in the world because I believe in him."

As for what will fill the void at Irwin Street Market, Rothschild is "seriously considering" bringing in pop-ups to use the space until a permanent tenant is on board. But, don't expect to see another pizza concept.

"I've never had better pizza, and I don't know that I ever will again," Rothschild said. "So we're going to probably be talking to sandwich people, bagel people. We have one Asian concept that's very interested in the space.

"My goal right now is to talk to the neighborhood and find out what they really want."

Updated with comment from Rothschild and to clarify Spina was looking for a new location in Old Fourth Ward.