Pizza Maria Closes Amid Portland Pizza Boom

Having opened on SE Division June 2014, Pizza Maria has extinguished its ovens for good. Owner Sean Coyne was previously head baker of NYC's reputed Sullivan Street Bakery and Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery, and Pizza Maria made its mark producing Neapolitan-style pies with seasonal Northwest toppings. But the pizzas weren't enough. Neither was positive attention from all of the city's major food publications. Yesterday evening, Pizza Maria announced via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pizza production would cease immediately:

We've worked diligently, tirelessly and lovingly for the past year and a half to serve wonderful food in a beautiful space with great attention to detail. We've built an amazing team and been absolutely delighted by our wonderful customers. Sadly, we were not busy enough to sustain the business, and it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye. Thank you for supporting us, you made us happy and fulfilled. We will miss you all very much. Love, Sean and Anna

Looking for a way to say goodbye and show your support? Pizza Maria will be open this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. to serve drinks and snacks. It's a fundraiser for the staff.

Pizza Maria's shuttering comes amid a Portland pizza boom, when pizzerias are opening faster than you can say "extra anchovies." Recent openings include Red Sauce Pizza, Tastebud, Handsome Pizza, and Scottie's Pizza Parlor, and coming attractions include Tommy Habetz's Pizza Jerk.