Pieology Pizza in Folsom’s Gateway Mall Shuts Its Doors

It was the kind of place you could walk into on a lazy Saturday, grab a quick bite, and leave with a smile – the Pieology pizza joint at Gateway Mall in Folsom. That familiar hum of the ovens, the aroma of fresh dough, and the clatter of plates have been part of the neighborhood’s soundtrack for close to ten years.

But on Monday morning, a simple chalkboard outside the glass doors announced what many regulars had begun to suspect: the restaurant is closing. The sign read, “Thank you for your support. We’re closing on November 30.” It’s a brief, almost polite farewell that feels heavier than the words themselves.

Owners James and Maria Alvarez, who bought the franchise in 2015, told local reporters that the decision was not made lightly. “We’ve loved being part of the Folsom community,” James said, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and disappointment. “But the rent increase over the past two years has become unsustainable for us.”

Rising commercial rent is a familiar refrain across many midsized American cities. While the economy has been inching toward recovery after the pandemic, commercial landlords have started to push prices upward, hoping to recoup lost revenue. For a family‑run operation like Pieology, which operates on thin margins, that pressure can be the final straw.

Employees, many of whom have been with the restaurant since its opening day, are feeling the sting too. “I’ve been flipping dough here since I was 19,” says longtime server Lily Chen. “It’s not just a job; it’s a place where I’ve made friends, learned how to manage a busy shift, and even saved up for college.” The staff will receive severance pay, and the owners have pledged to help them find new opportunities within the local food scene.

Regulars are already sharing nostalgic posts on social media, posting pictures of their favorite custom pies – from the classic “Pepperoni Passion” to the daring “Vegan Garden Delight.” One longtime customer, Mark Donovan, wrote, “Pieology was my go‑to after soccer practice. I’m going to miss the fast service and the fact I could actually watch my pizza being made.”

So what will become of the vacant space? The mall’s management hinted at a “new dining concept” that will roll out later this year, though details remain under wraps. Some speculate a fast‑casual Asian kitchen might move in, while others hope a returning chain will fill the gap.

In the meantime, the Alvarezes are trying to make the transition smoother for their loyal fans. They’ll be offering a final “thank you” discount – 20 % off all orders – for the last week of operation, and they’re planning a small farewell party on the final Saturday. “It’s our way of saying thanks,” Maria added, smiling despite the bittersweet occasion.

Closure of a beloved eatery like Pieology is a reminder of how quickly the local culinary landscape can change. Yet, it also underscores the resilience of the community – the same neighbors who once lined up for a slice will now rally around new ventures, keeping the spirit of shared meals alive.

For anyone who wants to relive those custom‑pizza moments one last time, the doors remain open until the end of November. After that, the ovens will cool, the dough will rest, and the memory of that perfectly crisp crust will linger in the minds of Folsom’s pizza lovers.