Greeley Pizza Restaurant Reopens After Community, UNC Students Rally to Save Campus Staple

The Original Roma pizza restaurant in Greeley, once closed after 38 years, has triumphantly reopened thanks to the efforts of students and the community.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A boldly colored, abstract silkscreen-style illustration of a pizza slice repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the celebratory energy of a community rallying to preserve a cherished local institution.The vibrant community effort to save a beloved Greeley pizza restaurant reflects the enduring appeal of local, independent businesses in college towns.Greeley Today

The Original Roma pizza restaurant in Greeley, Colorado, closed down in December 2025 after 38 years in business due to financial and operational challenges. However, a group of University of Northern Colorado students and the local community rallied together to support the restaurant, helping General Manager Alyssa Baker reopen its doors in March 2026.

Why it matters

The Original Roma had long been a staple for college students, offering not just food but a social hub. Its closure would have meant the loss of an important community gathering place and the memories associated with it. The students' efforts to save the restaurant show their commitment to supporting local businesses and preserving the character of their college town.

The details

After the Original Roma announced it would be closing, UNC students like Hunter Hendrixson and Anna Headley organized weekly gatherings to encourage large groups to dine at the restaurant and provide financial support. Baker reopened the restaurant on a limited basis just for the college students, who continued to pack the place every week. With the renewed momentum, Baker was able to officially reopen the Original Roma to the public in March 2026.

  • The Original Roma served its last day on December 30, 2025.
  • In the months since the closure, students and community members stepped in to support the business.
  • The restaurant officially reopened to the public in March 2026.
  • Next summer will mark the Original Roma's 40th anniversary.

The players

Alyssa Baker

The general manager of the Original Roma restaurant who took over the Greeley location in 2021.

Hunter Hendrixson

A University of Northern Colorado student and Pik Kappa Alpha member who became one of the leaders of the effort to save the Original Roma restaurant.

Anna Headley

A University of Northern Colorado student who helped organize efforts to support the Original Roma restaurant.

Brooke Minic

A University of Northern Colorado student who helped organize efforts to support the Original Roma restaurant.

University of Northern Colorado

The local university whose students rallied to save the Original Roma restaurant, a longtime campus staple.

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What they’re saying

“Let's be honest here, everybody in college eats pizza.”

— Hunter Hendrixson, UNC student and Pik Kappa Alpha member

“It took some emotional toll on us. We're not going to have the local Roma to go sit at and hang out.”

— Hunter Hendrixson, UNC student and Pik Kappa Alpha member

“It felt like if this place left, those memories would leave too.”

— Hunter Hendrixson, UNC student and Pik Kappa Alpha member

“I can't say enough good things about these kids.”

— Alyssa Baker, General Manager, Original Roma

“Yeah, we can keep a business open in the process of doing those things.”

— UNC student

What’s next

The Original Roma will celebrate its 40th anniversary next summer, marking a major milestone for the revived restaurant.

The takeaway

The successful effort to save the Original Roma restaurant demonstrates the power of community engagement and the commitment of college students to supporting local businesses and preserving the character of their college town. This story highlights how a dedicated group of individuals can come together to prevent the loss of an important community gathering place.