Historic Pizza Location Transforms Into Cannabis Dispensary
A storied New Jersey pizza establishment has served its last slice, with plans already approved to transform the location into a cannabis retail shop. DeLorenzo’s Pizza of Hamilton, part of a legendary pizza-making family with deep roots in the region, closed abruptly this week after state officials seized the property for unpaid taxes.
The Hamilton Township Planning Board unanimously approved a proposal on February 20 for Vision Cannabis to take over the space at 147 Sloan Avenue, according to NJ.com. The swift transition from pizza parlor to pot shop signals the continuing evolution of New Jersey’s retail landscape since adult-use cannabis was legalized in the state.
Sudden Closure After Tax Issues
DeLorenzo’s Pizza had operated at the Hamilton location since 2013, having relocated from its original Trenton establishment that opened in 1961. The pizzeria was known for its tomato pies and Italian specialties, continuing a family tradition that spans generations in the Mercer County area.
A note posted on the restaurant’s door indicated the property was seized “for non-payment of New Jersey state taxes,” a statement confirmed by the state treasury department. Court records revealed an unpaid judgment of $11,317.41 from a November 2024 filing, NJ.com reported.
Shortly after news of the closure began circulating on social media, the restaurant’s Facebook page claimed they were closing “for renovations” to accommodate sharing the space with another business. That post was subsequently deleted, according to WPST.
Cannabis Company Plans
Vision Cannabis presented its proposal to the Hamilton Township Planning Board in February, before the pizzeria’s closure. According to the board’s minutes, the company indicated that DeLorenzo’s lease was set to expire in July, and they were already helping the pizza establishment look for a new location.
“[Vision Cannabis] would like to see a local business succeed,” the meeting minutes stated, suggesting the cannabis retailer had been planning a smooth transition rather than an abrupt replacement.
The dispensary plans to utilize only a portion of the building initially, with a “demising wall for future growth within the building.” This indicates the cannabis operation may expand its footprint over time within the former restaurant space.
Legendary N.J. pizza family’s shop closed by state, accused of not paying taxes
— Unapologetic Fun (@stevewells11) March 13, 2025
DeLorenzo’s Pizza, one of the last bastions of the famed De Lorenzo pizza family, has been closed after being seized by the state https://t.co/IY5Ux8iPoF
Security and Compliance Measures
Vision Cannabis, which already operates a cultivation facility in nearby Ewing, presented extensive security plans for the retail location. These include comprehensive camera systems and protocols to prevent underage individuals from entering the premises.
Richard Fornaro, Esq., the attorney representing Vision Cannabis, emphasized that the location was ideal for a cannabis business because “it’s far enough away from any childcare center, schools, or residents,” addressing common concerns about dispensary placements.
Additional security measures will include storing all products in a secured vault rather than displaying them openly in the store. The dispensary plans also specify that all products would be sealed to prevent any odors from affecting the surrounding area.
Part of a Pizza Legacy
The DeLorenzo’s Pizza location that closed was operated independently from another well-known establishment with a similar name. While owned by members of the same extended family, this pizzeria had no direct business association with De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies of Robbinsville, which also relocated from Trenton years ago.
The DeLorenzo name has been synonymous with quality pizza in the Trenton area for decades, with different branches of the family operating separate establishments that all trace their roots back to the original family recipes.
Timeline for Transition
No specific opening date has been announced for the new Vision Cannabis dispensary, though the planning board’s approval suggests the company could move forward with its plans soon. The company will likely need to complete renovations to the space and secure additional permits before opening.
A spokesperson for the Mercer County Office of Planning declined to provide additional details when contacted on Friday. The transition represents a notable shift in the local business landscape, as a family food tradition dating back over 60 years gives way to New Jersey’s emerging cannabis retail sector.
