After more than 20 years in business, Grandma's Grotto Pizza & Bakery has closed its doors, the owners announced this past week.
In a heartfelt Facebook message to their loyal customers and friends, owners John, Desiree, and their family offered their "deepest apologies for the silence over these past couple of weeks" as patrons struggled to reach them.
"After more than 20 wonderful years serving our community, my wife and I have made the difficult decision to close," the post read. "This was not an easy choice for our family. We've shared so many special moments with our customers — families, teammates, friends — all gathered around good food made with love."
The closure of the business, located at 2700 Easton Road, was attributed to health concerns, rising costs, and a long-term lease.
Now, the owner's children have set up a GoFundMe page to help their parents during this tough time. The following was posted on the fundraising page:
We are the children of John and Desiree, the heart of Grandma’s Grotto Pizza & Bakery in Willow Grove. On October 24, 2025, our parents shared on Facebook that they’ve had to close our family’s restaurant after 22 years of serving you with love. Your stories—of safe gluten-free meals, birthday cakes, and warm moments with Mom and John—have touched our hearts. As their children, we’re launching this GoFundMe to help our parents through a tough time, as they face health challenges, struggle with debts, and the dream of starting anew.
For over two decades, Grandma’s Grotto was a haven for our community, especially for those needing gluten-free dishes like chicken parm, cannolis, and pizza to name a few. But rising costs and an impossible lease forced the closure, and now our stepdad needs urgent surgery he’s been putting off for almost a decade. We want to help them heal and rebuild and anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Your donations will go towards our stepdad's surgery and medical costs, and help with bills while he recovers. John is hoping to launch a new online store for gluten free products like flour, sauces, breadcrumbs, cookie dough, and pie shells you've loved. These projects are our hope for financial stability, but they’re still in early stages. Your support can make them real.
You’ve been our extended family—sharing meals, memories, and kindness. Now, we’re asking for your help to give our parents a fighting chance. Any donation, big or small, will ease their burden. If you can’t give, please share this campaign or comment with a favorite Grandma’s Grotto memory. Thank you for standing with us.
With love and gratitude, The Grotto Kids
The family highlighted Grandma's Grotto's role as one of the area's few establishments offering gluten-free meals and baked goods for the past 16 years, catering to customers with dietary restrictions.
"We simply couldn't keep going," the social media post said. "We have worked tirelessly to keep this dream alive, but the financial realities have become too great to overcome."
Although the physical location is closing, the Grotto family hopes to continue serving the community in a new way, launching a website to provide its original and gluten-free products along with catering services.
"If Grandma's Grotto has ever been a part of your story — whether through a slice shared after a game, a gluten-free treat, or a warm conversation — thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and loyalty over these 22 years has meant everything to us," the family wrote.
"Many of you have called or messaged, and I haven't been able to respond. The truth is, I haven't known what to say," John added. "Telling the world that a 45-year journey is over is a harder thing to do than I ever imagined. It has been a sad and embarrassing time, and for my lack of communication, I am truly sorry."
