After more than 40 years of serving pizza (and more) to the people of Chestnut Hill, Fiesta Pizza III is closing. The beloved establishment on Germantown Avenue officially shut its doors on Oct. 10.

Owner Pete Thomas said he feels bittersweet about his decision to close after a long career of demanding work. 

"Things have just changed," Thomas explained. "I've done it for 40-something years, and I just can't stand up and do that work anymore. I had some health issues and I didn't want to push myself until I really hurt myself."

The storied history of Fiesta Pizza III begins in 1955, when a Greek immigrant named Sam Thomas arrived in Philadelphia with dreams of owning his own restaurant. In 1966, that dream came true in the form of Fiesta Pizza, a restaurant in Upper Darby. Sam and his wife Gloria proceeded to open even more Fiestas across Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley and even the Jersey Shore.

Sam and Gloria, along with their eldest son Peter, purchased 8339 Germantown Ave. to open Chestnut Hill’s Fiesta Pizza III in 1982. While Sam eventually sold his shares in each restaurant to partners, he retained the Chestnut Hill location. For decades, all five of Sam and Gloria's children contributed to the success of the restaurant, but it was Pete who assumed full responsibility for the operation in 2012 after Sam's retirement.

Not only did Fiesta Pizza III serve pan pizzas, but the menu included Greek specialties, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, breakfast food and even seafood platters. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the establishment offered dine-in and takeout options or catering for special occasions such as communion or graduation. This variety of options made Fiesta a go-to spot for locals.

Pete is very sad to say goodbye to a community that has come to feel like family.

"Chestnut Hill has been like a family for me all these years; I'm really going to miss everyone," he said. "I watched all kinds of generations grow up. I've had couples who came in for their first date night and then went on to get married and bring their children into the shop, and then those children, and who then went on to have children of their own and do the same."

The closing of Fiesta Pizza III is not a huge surprise, considering that the building and business have been listed for sale for more than a year. While Pete is not sure of the new asking price, he estimates that it will be just over $1 million, including both the building and the business with all of the equipment.

Regardless of who takes over the building, the Fiesta Pizza III sign seen from Germantown Avenue will likely be removed. But memories of the local institution will live on. 

In a Facebook post from Pete thanking the Chestnut Hill community for their support, more than 100 comments showed their appreciation for the local spot and their sadness at its closing.

"Best of luck to Pete and all the crew in your next chapter. Fiesta has been such a staple in the community for more years than I can remember,” wrote Tricia Douglas. “So many fond memories from going there after games with the girls, blizzards and working there in my twenties. You will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Wishing you all the best."

Others agreed that the restaurant was an essential part of their time in Chestnut Hill.

"Lots of beautiful memories here," wrote Qui Lanise. "From my days at Jenks to my nights in college at Chestnut Hill College."

Another former employee, Augene Campbell-Dennis, described her positive experience working at the popular neighborhood spot. 

"Thank you so much for allowing me to work there," Campbell-Dennis said. "The time I spent there was incredible and I met so many wonderful people. I am sad to see it closed but I'm grateful for the opportunity that I was given."

As for Pete? He plans to sell his house in Broomall so that he can spend his summers in the Greek islands and his winters in Florida.

"I want to be near the ocean," Pete says.

But, before Pete can enjoy the water, there might be one final hurrah for Fiesta Pizza III. Depending on people's interest, Pete said, he is considering a going-away party. It won't be a fancy affair, but rather a day for cooking pizza and sharing good times with his favorite customers, who will maybe even be sent home with a keepsake pizza dish.

Anyone who wants to see Pete Thomas have a going-away party can email him at pete@fiestapizza-3.com