West Lane Pizza and Deli in Ridgefield Closes after 31 Years

Here we go again. Every year, we seem to lose some of our favorite spots to grab a quick bite, and as we head into 2020, we've learned that the West Lane Pizza and Deli has shut its doors for good.

The  in Ridgefield officially opened up shop more than thirty years ago and over the years, has transformed into the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch in the Ridgefield area.

According to newstimes.com, owners John and Anna Saoulidis officially closed the business on Dec. 31 citing the demands that come with running a successful business.

The long hours can take it toll on a business owner, as John told newstimes.com:

I am tired of the long hours and want a job that’s less demanding. I will miss my customers because they have become like family to me. I want a job with less hours and less worries as my son will be getting married very soon. I want to be able to spend more time with my family.

Even though there was an outpouring of thanks, many of their longtime customers we're sad to hear the news:

Thank you for always being there for my family, we have such fond memories of all our times spent enjoying your place. You were the first place my kids could walk to when they were growing up- Heather MacLetchie Ehinger

As John and Anna move onto a new chapter in their lives, it looks like new owners will be taking over soon, and some of the staff will remain. It's the end of an era, but that doesn't mean that John Saoulidis is retiring from the food business. Locals will be able to say hi to him when they stop into Gyro on Pita, located at 91 Danbury Road.