Classic restaurant chain and Papa John’s rival abruptly closes most stores in ‘darkest days’ after 30 years of service

A popular pizza chain has announced it will be closing three of its five restaurants, effective immediately.

HotLips Pizza has been serving its beloved dishes since 1984, but announced Monday that it would be closing most of its stores.

2

The chain attributed the closures to economic problems and labor shortages, as well as the fallout from Covid-19.

Known locally as the “Portland Institution,” Papa John’s rival is famous for its sodas and creative pizzas.

Soda pop flavors include ginger ale, apple, raspberry, marionberry and lemon.

The Oregon chain even has its own hot sauce line with HotLips jalapeno and habanero sauces available in store and online.

“It is with a terribly heavy heart that we must close these beloved businesses and make the first layoffs in our history,” said co-owner Jeana Edelman.

The three locations finally closed their doors on Monday, March 27th.

Edelman called it “one of the darkest days in HotLips history.”

Some people reacted to the news on Twitter.

“I worked there for many years. Sad day. Best pizza in Portland,” a former employee called.

However, not everyone shared the same feeling.

“I have to be honest here. The pizza wasn’t that great,” said one Twitter user called.

HotLips is also committed to a number of social justice causes.

In 2021, the company raised money for the Black Resilience Fund in celebration of June 16th.

The Company’s two remaining restaurants are located in the Pearl District and on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland.

They will continue to serve their famous dishes and offer a mobile pizza trailer for special occasions.

The company’s two remaining restaurants are located in the Pearl District and on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.

They will also continue to operate their 16-foot mobile food unit for catered events.

Store closures have increased in the United States.

Burger King has announced that 26 locations will be closing in April, largely impacting the Detroit area.

In the past year, Best Buy has closed about a dozen stores.

Bath & Body Works plans to close about 50 mall stores in 2023.

Department store retailer Macy’s plans to close 120 stores this year.

2