Rival pizzeria owners save Illawarra's Pinocchio's after two-week closure
Emma Lowe and Calvin Moran, who run Gerringong Pizza, bought the three failing Pinocchio's stores to preserve the brand and staff jobs.
Pinocchio's, a local favourite for two decades, shut all three stores two weeks ago when a buyer pulled out. Emma Lowe and Calvin Moran, owners of Gerringong Pizza and Captain Pizza, stepped in to buy the struggling chain rather than see it disappear.
Calvin Moran said the Pinocchio's brand was one he looked to emulate in his own stores. The shops reopen this week under the same name with the menu largely unchanged.
Prices are dropping and deal offers are returning. Lowe said saving the brand and keeping jobs for experienced staff was the priority.
Local reaction online has been positive, with customers excited the pair's reputation for quality suggests a strong future.
- two decades
- Years operating
- three
- Number of stores
- two weeks
- Closure duration
Why it mattersA local institution returns with familiar staff, lower prices, and new energy from owners who respect what made it work.
AustraliaIllawarra residents regain a community landmark and pizza workers get their jobs back.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
