A Beloved Institution Closes Its Doors
A cherished Main Line establishment is set to close its doors for the final time this Saturday. Mama’s Pizzeria, a Bala Cynwyd staple since 1958, has been a fixture in the community for over six decades. Despite its name, the restaurant never served pizza. Instead, it gained fame for its massive cheesesteaks, which are packed with generous portions of meat and other hot sandwiches.
On Wednesday morning, the shop was flooded with customers eager to experience one last meal before the closure. For many, this was more than just a final bite—it was a farewell to a piece of their history. Philadelphia native Joe McCann described the cheesesteak as "hands down one of the greatest steaks you'll ever have." He praised the sandwich for being "yummy" and full of meat, calling it the best.
McCann, who now lives in Ormond Beach, Florida, said he always makes it a point to stop at Mama’s whenever he returns to the Philadelphia area. The demand for the famous cheesesteak was so high that some customers were turned away after the shop ran out of rolls and meat for the day. Jerry Mitchell from Harrisburg expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the quality of the food. "It stinks," he said. "But that's what happens when you're that good."
Behind the grill was owner Paul Castellucci Sr., 64, who has managed the shop for decades. His decision to close the business came after health issues forced him to reconsider his plans. Originally, Castellucci had intended to retire next year, but without anyone to take over the business, he made the difficult choice to shut down.
For loyal customers, the loss of Mama’s means seeking alternatives for their favorite cheesesteak fix. Center City resident Steve Grosswald compared the experience to switching from a Rolls-Royce to a Chevy. "It still gets you from point A to point B, but it's not a Rolls-Royce," he said.
Joe McCann expressed a wish that the recipes could be passed on so the business could continue. However, cashier Tara Pierson, who has worked at Mama’s for 21 years, said that seems unlikely. "I'm sad because I've been here for so long," she said. "Everybody's going to miss it."
Customers emphasized that they’re not just losing a restaurant—they’re losing a piece of community history. "There's only one Mama’s," McCann said. "There's no other Mama’s out there, like where you can go to a place that resembles Mama’s. It's its own staple. To see it go, it's like heartbreaking."
Castellucci shared that the well-wishes from customers have been meaningful during this final stretch. Many have come by to share memories, express gratitude for decades of service, and simply say goodbye—whether or not they could get a sandwich. The closure marks the end of an era for a place that brought people together through its legendary cheesesteaks and strong sense of community.
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