Akron Leonardo’s Pizza Closed Permanently
The long-standing local pizza parlor at 334 Darrow Road has shuttered its doors.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Leonardo's Pizza in Akron has closed permanently following years of service in the Ellet neighborhood. The closure marks the end of a business that moved to its Darrow Road location in 1980.
Why it matters
The owner cited rising costs associated with food and energy as the primary reasons for the closure. These financial pressures proved unsustainable for the local business operations.
The pizzeria had occupied its 334 Darrow Road location since 1980. The shop was known for using a specialized Cianciola cheese blend and an original stone oven.
The players
Gene Barker
He was the original founder of Leonardo's Pizza in the late 1960s.
Ken Ilg
He was the most recent owner of the business after purchasing it in June 2023.
The details
Founded in the late 1960s by Gene Barker, the restaurant maintained a tradition of making its dough fresh daily. Ken Ilg, who purchased the establishment in June 2023, confirmed the permanent cessation of operations.
Timeline
The business was originally opened in the late 1960s.
The shop moved to its current location in 1980.
Ken Ilg purchased the pizza parlor in June 2023.
The business officially closed on October 13, 2026.
Market Landscape
The closure reflects a broader trend of independent eateries struggling to survive against the pressure of rising food and utility costs. This departure underscores the volatility faced by small, family-style operations in the current economic environment.
Longtime patrons of the Ellet neighborhood staple will need to find alternative dining options for their pizza orders. The closure removes a local option known for its specific stone-oven baking process and unique cheese blend.
The takeaway
Small businesses continue to navigate the difficult balance of maintaining high ingredient standards while costs inflate. Residents are reminded to support local establishments when possible, as rising overhead remains a significant threat to long-standing neighborhood favorites.
Further reading
For more updates on local businesses, check out the Akron Openings & Closings section.
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