Say it ain’t so! Nello’s Pizza in Tempe is closing its doors after 33 years, and its home on the northeast corner of McClintock and Southern will be taken over by Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream.
Here’s the announcement on Nello’s Facebook page:
After a great run, the assets of Nello’s Tempe have been sold to the Happy Joe’s Pizza family! The Nello’s Tempe family couldn’t have made it this far without all of our great guests support, so we thank you for your loyal patronage throughout all 33 years! Nello’s won’t be fully transitioned for 9 more days, so come in and reminisce with your favorite pizza!
In the 1980s and ’90s, Nello’s was considered the best pizza in the Valley by many. Its four locations, each run by a different Mei brother, routinely swept local best-of awards.
The Scottsdale Nello’s closed in April. Now just ones in Mesa and Ahwatukee remain.
Iowa-based Happy Joe’s, on the other hand, is expanding its presence in the Valley. It drew a lot of attention when it made its Arizona debut last summer in Gilbert (see story). Tempe will be its second location here.
