Beloved Alabama Pizza Joint to Take 'Hiatus' Before Reopening

Pizzeria Delphina will close its current location but plans to return with a new 'brand-new Italian concept' in a different city.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Pizzeria Delphina, a beloved pizza restaurant in Mobile, Alabama, is closing its current location at The Insider Collective Eatery on March 28th. The restaurant's owners, Richie Gambino and Benjamin Reese, say they plan to open a new 'brand-new Italian concept' in the nearby city of Daphne. They promise that Pizzeria Delphina will 'return bigger and better' in the future, though an exact timeline is not provided.

Why it matters

Pizzeria Delphina has developed a loyal following in Mobile over the past decade, known for its authentic New York-style pizza and pasta dishes. The closure of its current location is bittersweet, as the owners cite the limitations of the small space and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the plan to open a new Italian restaurant in a different city suggests the owners are committed to the brand and believe there is still demand for Pizzeria Delphina's offerings.

The details

Pizzeria Delphina first opened around 2015 in a tiny location on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. Despite the limited space, the restaurant developed a reputation as one of the best pizza places in the city, thanks to owner Richie Gambino's commitment to authenticity and use of vintage pizza ovens. Gambino closed the original Delphina location in 2021, citing the pandemic and space constraints. He later reopened the restaurant in 2022 at The Insider Collective Eatery food court, but now the partners have decided to close that location as well. They plan to open a 'brand-new Italian concept' in the nearby city of Daphne, though details on the new restaurant have not been revealed.

  • Pizzeria Delphina first opened around 2015.
  • Gambino closed the original Delphina location in the summer of 2021.
  • Gambino and new partner Benjamin Reese reopened Delphina at The Insider Collective Eatery in 2022.
  • Delphina's last day at The Insider Collective Eatery will be March 28, 2026.

The players

Richie Gambino

One of the original owners and founders of Pizzeria Delphina.

Benjamin Reese

Gambino's new partner who helped reopen Pizzeria Delphina at The Insider Collective Eatery.

Matt LeMond

Downtown Mobile business owner and co-owner of The Insider Collective Eatery and adjacent sports bar The Outsider, where Pizzeria Delphina was located.

Jake Peavy

Former baseball star and co-owner of The Insider Collective Eatery and The Outsider, where Pizzeria Delphina was located.

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What they’re saying

“Our lease is up at the Insider and we have decided to close this location and return with a proper brick and mortar when the time comes. When we find something suitable in the Mobile area to relocate, we will reopen Pizzeria Delphina. We have enjoyed our time here and will miss everyone at the Insider/Outsider.”

— Pizzeria Delphina (Facebook)

“It's kind of bittersweet for us. We are, however, very excited about our new place. Sad to go as well. We want to thank most of all our customers that have stayed true and kept us nourished and sheltered. We love each and every one of you and look forward to our reunion when the time comes.”

— Pizzeria Delphina (Facebook)

“Pizzeria Delphina will return bigger and better! Stay tuned to our Instagram and FB pages for updates. We will return!”

— Pizzeria Delphina (Facebook)

What’s next

The owners of Pizzeria Delphina have not provided a specific timeline for when the restaurant will reopen in a new location, but they have promised to keep their social media followers updated on their progress in finding a suitable space to relaunch the beloved pizza joint.

The takeaway

The closure of Pizzeria Delphina's current location is a loss for the Mobile community, but the owners' commitment to returning with a 'bigger and better' version of the restaurant in the future suggests the brand still has a loyal following and a bright future ahead. The plan to open a new Italian concept in a nearby city also demonstrates the owners' entrepreneurial spirit and desire to expand their culinary offerings.