Guests enjoy dining at Ancora Pizzeria, a staple in New Orleans for artisan pizzas.
Ancora Pizzeria, a beloved artisan Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant in New Orleans, will officially close its doors after 14 years of service on July 31. Owner Bryn Thompson announced the closure is a decision to maintain the restaurant’s original vision amid changing food service trends and challenges posed by third-party delivery apps. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and commitment to quality, Ancora has been a significant part of the Freret Street dining scene, contributing to the area’s revitalization post-Hurricane Katrina. Loyal customers and local residents will surely miss this iconic establishment.
New Orleans – Ancora Pizzeria, a staple for artisan Neapolitan-style pizza on Freret Street for over 14 years, will officially close its doors after service on July 31. Proprietor Bryn Thompson made the announcement, stating the closure is driven by a commitment to preserving the original vision of the restaurant amidst shifting trends in the food service industry.
The decision comes at a time when the restaurant has faced increasing pressure to adapt to the challenges posed by third-party delivery apps, which often impose significant fees on establishments, impacting their profitability. Despite these challenges, Ancora will continue to serve its signature pizzas, house-made salumi, pasta, and an offering of Italian wines and cocktails until its final operational day.
Founded in 2011, Ancora has played a pivotal role in the revival of Freret Street, significantly contributing to the area’s transformation into a vibrant restaurant row in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The establishment features a distinctive three-ton wood-fired pizza oven, which was specially built in Naples for Ancora, reinforcing the restaurant’s authentic approach to its culinary offerings.
In addition to its renowned pizza, Ancora has developed a loyal customer base, with many patrons visiting multiple times a week. Notable dishes include light gnocchi and a Panzanella salad featuring fresh burrata cheese. The restaurant had also gained accolades, receiving 9,444 votes as a finalist in a local contest for the best pizza, affirming its popularity in the local community.
Thompson, who has been central to the restaurant since its inception as a staff member, eventually became its manager before taking full ownership. Chef Adolfo Garcia, the original founder of Ancora, remains a partner in the venture. The establishment also grows its own seasonal produce in a garden, allowing for a farm-to-table approach in its menu offerings.
The current landscape of the restaurant industry in New Orleans has been fraught with challenges, as many establishments face economic pressures compounded by the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Ancora’s closure marks not only the end of an era for the restaurant but also a significant milestone in the history of Freret Street’s dining scene.
Looking ahead, the space currently occupied by Ancora is owned by the operators of the adjacent High Hat Café, who may consider launching new food ventures to fill the gap left by Ancora’s departure. In the meantime, Ancora wishes to create a celebratory atmosphere as they conclude their journey, aiming to “go out with a bang” while reflecting on their contributions to the local community and dining culture.
As the restaurant prepares to close, the broader implications of Ancora’s closure will resonate, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Freret Street and the changing dynamics of the New Orleans restaurant industry. The establishment’s dedication to quality and community engagement will be sorely missed by its devoted patrons and the local residents alike, underscoring the importance of such establishments in supporting neighborhood vitality.
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