After more than four decades of serving the New Richmond community, Pete’s Pizza & Grill has announced it will officially close its doors on May 9, 2026.
Owners Steve and Terri Montpetit shared the news in a heartfelt message to customers, calling the decision bittersweet and thanking the community for 46 years of support.
A Letter to the Community
In their announcement, the Montpetits wrote:
“For over 46 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving you delicious meals, celebrating your milestones, and being part of your everyday moments. Your laughter, conversations, and loyalty have filled our space with warmth and meaning.”
They emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and encouraged guests to stop in over the next couple of months to enjoy their favorite pizzas and appetizers one last time. Customers are also asked to use any loyalty points before April 19th.
The restaurant’s final day of service will be May 9.
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A Small-Town Favorite Since the 1970s
Located at 1230 N Knowles Avenue in New Richmond, Pete’s Pizza became a staple for families across western Wisconsin. Known for its thin crust, signature sauce, and classic combinations like the “Pete’s Special” (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and ground beef), the restaurant built a loyal following.
Online reviewers consistently praised:
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The thin crust and house-made sauce
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The relaxed, family-owned atmosphere
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The long-running buffet
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The nostalgic ice cream machine with endless toppings (especially butterscotch)
With more than 200 reviews and an 88% recommendation rating on Facebook, Pete’s was more than just a place to grab dinner — it was woven into family traditions.
More Than a Restaurant
The comment section following the retirement announcement reads like a community scrapbook.
Former employees shared stories about working under Steve’s leadership. Lifelong customers recalled walking miles as teenagers just to eat at the buffet. Families described decades of takeout dinners, birthday celebrations, and Friday night routines.
One commenter summed it up perfectly:
“Pete’s Pizza was not just a restaurant, but a family.”
The Final Stretch
Pete’s current hours (recently limited to a few evenings per week) reflect the gradual winding down of operations. But between now and May 9th, there’s still time for one more slice, one more order of pizza fries, one more round of memories.
For New Richmond, this closure marks the end of a 46-year chapter — one filled with red-checkered tables, bubbling cheese, and generations growing up together.
If you’ve got a favorite Pete’s memory, now’s the time to share it — and maybe stop in before the ovens go quiet for good.
