Chipotle Axes Its Fast-Casual Pizza Spin-Off, Pizzeria Locale

Imagine the assembly line concept of Chipotle (where you, essentially, build your own burrito or bowl via friendly faces behind the counter) only with pizza. This was what Colorado-based Pizzeria Locale was all about. Unfortunately, the end of its journey has come. Per USA Today, the company announced that it will permanently close its five locations, all located in the Denver metro area, on July 10, 2023. Pizzeria Locale opened its first location in Boulder in 2011 but it wasn't until two years later that Chipotle quietly became an investor. At one point, there were also locations in Cincinnati and Kansas City, but they both closed in 2018.

Like Chipotle, Pizzeria Locale customers would choose their pizza toppings from an array of options. The restaurant pizza makers would put together the customized pies and flash-bake them in extremely hot ovens where they'd be done in minutes. The result was Neapolitan-style, thin crust pizza pies that were perfect for 30-minute lunch breaks or casual dinners. To date, neither Chipotle nor Pizzeria Locale have voiced the reason or reasons for the restaurant's shutdown.

When the original Pizzeria Locale opened in Boulder, it was a full-service, sit-down dining spot that served pizzas inspired by Naples, Italy. The thin, blistered crust could be topped with everything from mozzarella, pepperoni, and peppers to arugula, broccolini, and meatballs. There were both red and white pizza options and customers could opt to either create their own pies or select from a number of specialty pizzas. Salad, side, and dessert options rounded out the menu. 

When the time came for the founding restaurateurs to expand, they were planning to simply replicate the Boulder location. But they were soon wooed by Chipotle's model; it was quick-service, but not fast food. According to Eater, they liked the fact that the employees actually cooked with fresh ingredients and the kitchen equipment was impressive. They saw the success and strength of Chipotle and believed it was a perfect concept for pizza. 

While we don't know the exact reason for the chain's shutdown, one thing we do know is that its employees have been given the opportunity to work at local Chipotle restaurants once the Pizzeria Locale locations officially shut down.