SCRANTON -- It is the end of an era for a well-known pizza place in Scranton.
Thursday was the last day for Sal's Pizza on Linden Street.
You won't find Sal inside Sal's Pizza on Linden Street; you'll find Joe Amendola instead. Joe is the heart and soul of the downtown pizza shop -- a man of few words but many friends.
You can tell by a quick poll of who comes to lunch, most regulars have been around for at least a decade.
"I'm at the administration building probably about 16 years, so about 16 years mostly every Friday. So, we'll miss them!" said Sue Yanchik of Scranton.
Sal's has been a staple of the downtown Scranton diet since 1980, a popular lunch break spot for city workers since then.
Mark Wozniak, a county employee, has been here at least twice a week for 25 years.
"Well, I became friends with Joe and his family and watched him raise his kids. It's convenient for me and it's like a home here," said Wozniak.
Lee Redmon is also in the decade club; 18 years for him.
"It's been more than a restaurant; it's been a meeting place," said Redmon. "The staff has been extremely friendly."
Some of the customers pre-date Joe's most consistent sidekick: his wife of 29 years, 'V.'
"I mean, the customers were the best. They are the best."
Though the business has been around for 36 years in Scranton, Sal's Pizza has been at this spot on Courthouse Square since 1991. The business will be sold to a group that also plans to open up a pizza shop in this same spot.
"Scranton has really, just like the big offices that have closed and completely left the area, and it really does cause problems for small businesses like us," said V. Amendola.
Christine Kelly's employer falls into that very category. She came from its new location in Moosic to pick up an order for the whole office.
"I've eaten here many times alone and never felt alone. You felt like you were coming to visit all of your friends. It's just very nice, very nice atmosphere," said Kelly.
That's the lasting impression Sal's Pizza will leave for its slice of Scranton history.
