A Slice of History: Papa’s Pizzeria Shuts Doors After 52 Years in London, ON

Tony Buragina’s earliest memory of Papa’s Pizzeria and Restaurant involves enjoying spumoni ice cream in the back room while his parents ran the place.

For his sister, Melina Buragina, it’s the sound of the piano that their parents bought for her, adding a musical touch to the restaurant’s warm atmosphere.

As London, Ontario prepares to bid farewell to a beloved local eatery, Papa’s will close this Saturday after nearly 52 years in business. The weekend is set to be a busy one with pizza lovers flocking for one last slice.

Tony describes the restaurant not just as a business, but as their extended living room and home. The St. George Street spot was a community hub, often filled with regulars who came to visit their father, founder Leo Buragina, who passed away in 2022.

The decision to close has been heart-wrenching for Melina, who faces health challenges with Guillain Barre Syndrome, limiting her ability to work. Tony runs the family food distribution business, E.B. Foods, which will continue operating.

Even with the closing of the restaurant, the Buragina family’s influence in the local food scene endures as Tony and Melina transition fully into the food distribution business.

Their mother, Amalia Buragina, fully supports the decision, noting that it’s time for the family to move on. She’s one of the reasons the family chose not to hand over the pizzeria to new owners.

Tony had considered selling Papa’s, but was concerned that any change in the business would tarnish the legacy his father built.

Papa’s Pizzeria is an emblem of a classic immigrant success story. Leo Buragina ventured into various businesses before finding his niche. From selling products door-to-door to opening an Italian grocery store, his journey culminated in the iconic pizzeria established in 1972.

While the restaurant’s food was undoubtedly a draw, it was Leo's presence that truly defined Papa’s. This legacy is set to live on through E.B. Foods, the family's primary business.

The Buragina children may not be interested in carrying on the restaurant tradition, but their father’s entrepreneurial spirit undoubtedly courses through their veins.

Tony reminisces about the restaurant's evolution, noting how it transformed when Leo introduced panzerotti. His father's ability to adapt and innovate kept the business thriving.

With nostalgia and humor, Tony and Melina share memories of regular customers who practically became extended family. As Melina humorously puts it, she became the “panzerotti queen.”

Londoners will miss Papa’s Pizzeria, but the Buragina family's mark on the community remains indelible. They've been involved in other ventures around the city, including Buragina's Men’s Wear and Westown Shoe Repair.

Reflecting on their journey, Tony states the family wasn’t just hungry for food—they were hungry for success. This appetite for entrepreneurship continues even as they close the doors of Papa’s.