By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Late last week, the Elmhurst Independent received a letter from the Conway family, owners of Pizza Palace located on Addison Street in downtown Elmhurst for the past 64 years.
The letter announced the restaurant had closed its doors on Saturday, Aug. 24. The Conways wished to express a thank you to the community and all the families who had “come through our doors since 1955.”
“Whether you celebrated your first date, rehearsal dinner, baby shower, sports teams, or funeral luncheon, we thank you for your many years of support,” the letter read. “Many of you are more than customers to us; we consider you long-time friends.”
The City of Elmhurst purchased the Arcade Building where Pizza Palace has been located. A new, more upscale restaurant is slated to take over the site.
“We strongly encourage you to support this restaurant, as it may continue to serve the Pizza Palace Pizza,” the Conways said. “The new owner is from Elmhurst and has many great improvement ideas. We are confident you will enjoy the new experience.”
A rich local history
The Pizza Palace originated on Division Street in Chicago in the 1940s, owned by Papa Paul Cesaretti. In 1955, Papa Paul’s son Fred Cesaretti opened the Pizza Palace in Elmhurst. His brother-in-law Edward and wife Marylin Conway helped out in the operations and soon after, purchased the restaurant themselves.
Over the years, the Conways and Cesaretti children worked together in the business. Barbara Cesaretti, the sister of Edward Conway, served as a waitress and made homemade pies. Kenneth and Eddie Scott Conway, both sons of Edward Conway, took over as managers and cooks.
Eventually, Eddie Scott bought the restaurant from his father and has been at the helm of the family business ever since.
“The Conway family would like to thank you for all your support, it has been a pleasure serving you since 1955!”
