ATLANTA – Junior’s Pizza, a beloved local restaurant in Summerhill, has announced its closure with heavy hearts. The husband-and-wife team, Alex and Jennifer Aton, shared the news on social media, reflecting on the challenges they faced over the years.
In their emotional post, they wrote, “We tried to provide quality pizza to customers and a living wage to employees simultaneously; we thought it could be done, and we’ve proven it can’t.” The couple, who opened Junior’s Pizza in Summerhill in 2019 after starting as a pop-up delivery service, admitted that despite their dedication, they were unable to continue due to the strain it placed on their personal and professional lives. “We’ve mentally, physically, and emotionally destroyed ourselves for seven years, thinking good pizza was enough to keep us going. Now we know it’s not. And we need to focus on our family.”
The restaurant closed its doors immediately, marking the end of a seven-year run. This news comes shortly after the closure of Junior’s second location in Hapeville, which shut down in November. The Atons shared their struggles, stating, “Atlanta is on the brink of having a lot of locally owned businesses close due to the economy.”
A Favorite Among Locals
Known for its New York-style thin-crust pizzas and a variety of offerings, including vegan breadsticks, Sicilian pan pizzas, and build-your-own calzones, Junior’s Pizza quickly became a community staple. The Summerhill location also gained a following for hosting fun local events such as drag bingo and team trivia nights, creating a space for neighbors to gather.
Before opening Junior’s Pizza, Alex Aton spent 10 years working at Fellini’s Pizza, and Jennifer Aton dedicated 14 years to the restaurant industry as a server and bartender. Their deep passion for pizza and service made Junior’s a cherished spot for pizza lovers across the city.
While Junior’s Pizza in Summerhill will no longer be serving its signature pies, the couple’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the community they worked so hard to serve. With local closures becoming increasingly common due to the challenging economic climate, Junior’s Pizza will be remembered not just for its food, but for its commitment to creating an inclusive space for residents of all kinds.
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