Fire Destroys Pizza Shoppe Legacy in Liberty Boro

Last Updated on Thursday, 05 August 2021 17:18

By Michelle Taylor

There are only two major businesses in Liberty Boro, a gas station and Jo-Lynn’s Pizzaria. On Saturday June 26, a tragic fire broke out at 9:30am at Jo-Lynn's Pizzaria. The cause of the fire was a fan in the attic.

The fire claimed the entire inside of the pizza shoppe rendering it as a total loss

At the time of the fire, Jo-Lynn's employed 26 staff members, with one being there for 23 years. "We appreciate our employees,” said the owners of Jo-Lynn’s. “We have amazing people that work for us and they have become family. They stuck with us during the difficult times we all encountered with the pandemic and they have been extremely supportive during the difficult time we are facing now."

Joe Lerro started the business in 1972 in the southside of Pittsburgh and later moved to Dormont for many successful years. Joe decided to make Liberty Boro his home in 1987. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the day the doors first opened at the south side location. Joe's granddaughter, Nicole, says "My mom is now the face of Jo-Lynn's and she puts in 60-70 hours a week and loves being there and running the business. She has done an amazing job at fulfilling my grandfather's dream.”

Jo-Lynn's Pizzaria has been a helpful pillar of the community during Covid-19 by providing free lunches to South Allegheny students and participating in various other fundraisers. Nicole expressed her gratitude about the outpouring of support from the community. “It has been amazing. It has truly lifted our spirits in this time of need and means more to us than anyone knows. We sincerely appreciate all of our customers."

The well loved pizza shoppe plans to rebuild and will do so as soon as possible. They are currently waiting for the insurance to come through and for the availability of the contractors to open up.

The community of Liberty Boro is hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday August 14 at the Lincoln Bore fire hall from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. There will also be baked goods for sale, a 50/50 raffle, and gift baskets. Jo-Lynn's is also accepting donations. You can make a donation on Jo-Lynn's website at www.jolynnpizza.com and click on the donation button. There is also a GoFundMe page.