‘Since 1991, you have loved us’: After 34 years, Charlotte pizzeria has a new owner
On Monday, Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria announced via its Instagram page that it “served its last pizza this Sunday night.”
On Tuesday, the restaurant updated its Instagram to clarify that it will transition to new owner Emmanuel Alencaster, and “will continue to operate as normal” for now as it transitions to its own concept, according to now former owner Jeff Russell.
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria opened in Montford in 1991, and operated as a locally owned, family business for 34 years. The restaurant stated it was Charlotte’s first true brick oven pizzeria. Jeff worked for Luisa’s since 1992. In 2006, when Luisa’s was ready to sell, Jeff tells us that none of her children were able to take over, so he was “the next logical choice.”
Luisa’s menu includes a variety of Italian fare, from pizza and pasta to salads and classic desserts. It is also infamous for their lunch buffet, an old-school all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, and salad buffet for $8.
“It is with tear-filled eyes that we announce, after 34 years of serving you, Luisa’s Brick Oven served its last pizza this past Sunday night,” the business posted on Instagram on Monday.
“Since 1991, you have loved us, celebrated with us, and supported us. Our small, family owned business has thrived because our customers have kept us thriving, serving you over one MILLION pizzas in our time in Charlotte.”
Russell said, “I am going to miss so many people that I consider friends and family. It has always been my favorite part of owning Luisa’s watching families grow, and I feel honored to have been part of their lives.”
The restaurant is loved
Its announcement was met with an outpouring of love for the neighborhood eatery.
“The best Friday nights of our lives were spent with Jeff and the whole family,” wrote Jennie Lennartz Hawes.
“You have fed my family more times than we can count,” wrote Debbie Lord, stating the restaurant is ingrained in her family’s memories “for a lifetime.”
“Best Lunch Pizza Buffet ever!” wrote Brad Panovich.
Why the change for Luisa’s?
According to its Instagram page, Russell is retiring to “focus on his health” after a diagnosis of stage four renal cancer.
“Here we are 19 years later, and it’s time for me to move to the next chapter in my life,” Jeff said. “I have been battling stage four renal cell cancer for about a year and can’t give the restaurant the attention it truly needs. I am looking forward to the additional time with my family… and I cherish the relationships that have been built over the 30-plus years. I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people and have been able to share and be a part of so many parts of their lives.”
His daughter, Megan Russell, shared a way to support Jeff during his cancer battle by “joining his support squad” with a shirt purchase or wearing orange during the month of March, which happens to be renal cancer awareness month.
Next Steps for Luisa’s
Emmanuel Alencaster, the new owner, also runs a Mexican restaurant in Concord called Tacos El Peladito and Big City Slices in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood, a small pizzeria focused on New York-style pies. Tacos El Peladito opened in 2020 and serves fresh to order, traditional dishes. Big City Slices opened last year, serving pies, wings and salads in a casual, grab-and-go environment.
“It was incredibly eye-opening to see just how much love and support this restaurant has from the Charlotte community,” Alencaster said. “Seeing the outpouring of reactions has made it even more clear to me how special this place is to so many people. Our goal is to preserve what has made this restaurant a Charlotte staple while also ensuring it continues to thrive for years to come. While we may make some small improvements over time, the heart and soul of this beloved pizzeria will remain intact.”
He noted that while he will rebrand eventually, he and his team first wants to “truly get to know the customers, the community, and what makes Luisa’s so special. We want to listen — to the good and the bad — and make this a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. Luisa’s isn’t going anywhere.”
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Location: 1730 Abbey Pl, Charlotte, NC 28209
Cuisine: Brick oven pizza, salads, pasta, Italian desserts.
Instagram: @luisas_pizzeria
Melissa Oyler contributed.
This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM.
