Roma Restaurant on 16th Street in Greeley is closing at the end of the year after nearly 40 years in business.
The last day of service for the restaurant, which serves pizza and casual Italian food — and was uniquely known for its 34-ounce “bazooka” drinks — will be Dec. 30.
In a Facebook post announcing the closure, the restaurant said it has experienced recent challenges with the city of Greeley.
“Unfortunately, we’ve found ourselves in a constant battle with the city of Greeley — from liquor enforcement challenges to construction and parking issues, including both customers and staff receiving parking tickets,” the restaurant wrote in the post. “As lifelong Greeley residents, it’s been incredibly disheartening to feel a lack of support for small businesses and a missed opportunity for true community collaboration.”
City staff were not immediately available for comment Friday afternoon. The Downtown Development Authority did not return a Friday afternoon phone call by time of publishing.
Roma, at 728 16th St., isn’t the first 16th Street business to close since work on the 16th Street Enhancement Project kicked off in November 2024. The project aims to improve modern amenities and mobility options on 16th Street from 7th to 11th avenues, though road closures have only been implemented west of 8th Avenue. Late last week, the eastbound lane of 16th Street opened up from 11th to 8th avenues.
La Petite French Bakery, 919 16th St., closed last month, citing the ongoing construction. Pinocchios Incredible Italian, 905 16th St., closed temporarily over the summer because of construction concerns but has since reopened.
Roma opened on 16th Street in 1988 and has since served as a go-to spot for many University of Northern Colorado students.
“Over the next month, we hope you’ll stop by — raise one last bazooka, enjoy one more hothouse pizza or your favorite Caroli, and make a few final memories with us,” the restaurant said in the post.
Dining and Cooking