News Summary
After nearly 40 years of serving the Northport community, Cicis Pizza has permanently closed its location at Northcreek Plaza on McFarland Boulevard. This closure marks the end of an era for a restaurant known for its buffet-style pizza and family-friendly atmosphere. With significant challenges faced by the brand, including a bankruptcy filing in 2021, Northport residents are left to seek new dining options amid growing concerns over the future of Cicis Pizza in Alabama.
Northport, AL – Cicis Pizza, a beloved fixture in Northport for nearly 40 years, has officially closed its doors at Northcreek Plaza on McFarland Boulevard. The restaurant, which was well-known for its buffet-style pizza and family-friendly atmosphere, posted a sign on its door to announce the closure, leaving many regular patrons disappointed and nostalgic about their visits.
At one time, the Northport location was one of 13 Cicis Pizza restaurants in Alabama. With the closure, the nearest remaining locations are now situated in Birmingham, leaving a significant void for pizza lovers in Northport and the surrounding areas. The Northport Cicis Pizza had its last operational day on a Sunday, marking the end of an era for a location that has been a staple in the community since its opening.
The closure is part of a troubling trend for the Cicis Pizza brand, which has faced substantial challenges in recent years, particularly due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the company filed for bankruptcy, which resulted in a considerable reduction of its locations across the country. Prior to the bankruptcy, Cicis Pizza grew to operate nearly 300 restaurants across more than 20 states.
In addition to the Northport location, Buckshot Enterprises, LLC, which owned and operated several Cicis Pizza restaurants, also closed its Florence location just two weeks prior. Unconfirmed reports have emerged suggesting that the Cicis Pizza in Huntsville may be closed as well, raising concerns about the brand’s overall stability and presence in Alabama.
Despite the closure of these locations, the brand had been making efforts to revitalize its business following the challenges posed by the pandemic. Cicis Pizza had implemented various promotions to attract customers and regain its footing in the competitive fast-casual dining market. The chain has maintained a loyal following, especially among families and children’s sports teams, who previously enjoyed the casual dining experience and the affordability of its buffet options.
Customer reactions to the closure have been vocal on social media, with numerous Alabama residents expressing their sadness and sharing fond memories of their time spent at Cicis Pizza. Patrons reminisced about family gatherings and birthday parties held at the restaurant, while one customer lamented the loss of favorite items such as the cinnamon rolls typically served at the establishment.
Cicis Pizza was founded in 1983 in Coppell, Texas, and grew rapidly during its early years, earning a reputation for its unique pizza buffet experience. However, the changing dynamics of the restaurant industry and shifting consumer preferences have led to the brand’s decline over recent years. As fewer locations remain, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this once-thriving chain.
As the Northport community comes to terms with the closure, it highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many traditional dining establishments in adapting to modern consumer demands and economic pressures. The fate of the remaining Cicis Pizza locations in Alabama, particularly in Huntsville, is uncertain, with no public announcements regarding their status as of yet. With its closure, Northport residents must now seek new dining options in the pizza landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Cicis Pizza Northport Closure
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- AL.com: Beloved Pizza Buffet Chain Closes
- Google Search: Cicis Pizza Northport Closure
- Patch: Cicis Pizza Closes Longtime Northport Location
- Google Scholar: Cicis Pizza
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Checkers Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza Restaurants
- Tuscaloosa Thread: KPots Closure
- Google News: Cicis Pizza Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
