It happened fast. One day you're grabbing a slice of that specific, local comfort food, and the next, there’s a sign on the door. Al’s Pizza Troy is closing, and honestly, it’s hitting the community harder than most people expected. For those who grew up in the area, Al’s wasn’t just a place to grab a quick lunch; it was a landmark on South Weston Road.
The news broke officially in late 2024. General Manager Avery Martin confirmed the worst: the final day of business was set for December 21, 2024. If you’ve driven through Troy recently, you probably already know the "why" behind this, even if you didn't want to admit it.
The Main Street Construction Nightmare
Business is rarely personal, but for small shop owners, it feels like it. The primary culprit for Al’s Pizza Troy closing wasn't a lack of interest in the food. It was the road.
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Months of grueling, slow-moving construction on Main Street (state Route 41) basically strangled the shop. If people can’t get to your parking lot without navigating a maze of orange cones and flaggers, they just... go somewhere else. It’s a sad reality of urban planning versus small business survival.
Traffic patterns changed. Casual drive-bys stopped. The "slow business" wasn't a reflection of the pizza quality, but a reflection of how much friction a customer is willing to endure for a pepperoni pie. For a place like Al's, which relied on that steady flow of local traffic, the infrastructure project was a death sentence.
It’s Not Just Troy
If you’re a die-hard fan, there is a silver lining. The Al’s Pizza location in Sidney is staying open.
- The Troy staff were even given the option to move over to the Sidney spot.
- The recipes, the sauce, and that specific vibe aren't gone from the Earth—they’ve just moved up the road.
- Ownership didn't "fail"; the location simply became unsustainable due to outside factors.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Closing
When a local staple shuts down, the rumor mill starts churning. You’ve probably heard people say it was because of "bad management" or "staffing issues." While those are common tropes for 2025 and 2026 business closures, the reality at Al's was much more structural.
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You can have the best team in the world, but if the city decides to dig up the road in front of your business for half a year, your revenue is going to crater. It’s basic math. Avery Martin was pretty transparent about the fact that the construction just made it too hard for customers to stay loyal. Loyalty has limits when it involves a 20-minute detour.
The Legacy of the South Weston Road Spot
Al’s was known for a few things that made it stand out in a sea of generic chains. Their lunch buffet was legendary for local workers. Their salad bar actually had fresh stuff on it.
People in Troy are mourning the loss of a "third place." That's a spot that isn't home and isn't work, but where you feel like you belong. When you lose a pizzeria that’s been around for years, you lose a piece of the neighborhood’s character.
What This Means for Troy’s Food Scene
Troy is changing. We’re seeing more development, but that development comes with a cost. The "beautification" of Main Street might look great in five years, but the casualties are the businesses that were there before the first shovel hit the ground.
Honestly, it's a cautionary tale for other local spots. If you see orange cones popping up near your favorite mom-and-pop shop, go out of your way to support them. They are likely hanging on by a thread.
Where to Go Now?
If you're craving that specific Al's taste, you have two real options.
- The Sidney Location: It’s still kicking. If you have the time, make the drive. It’s the only way to get the authentic experience now.
- Local Competitors: Troy still has some solid options, but none of them quite replicate the Al’s buffet or that specific "home" feel.
The closure of Al’s Pizza Troy is a reminder that local businesses are fragile. They aren't massive corporations with endless cash reserves to weather a year of construction. They live and die by the daily commute.
Actionable Steps for Former Customers
If you're bummed about the closure, don't just vent on Facebook. There are actual things you can do.
- Visit the Sidney Al’s: Show the owners that the Troy crowd is still willing to travel for the food. It helps stabilize their remaining business.
- Support "At-Risk" Locals: Look at the other businesses along Route 41 that are still struggling with the aftermath of the construction. They need your business now more than ever.
- Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Sometimes, when a space like the one on South Weston Road opens up, a new local entrepreneur steps in once the construction is finished.
The era of Al’s in Troy might be over, but the impact they had on the local food scene won't be forgotten soon.