Orlondo's Reopens, Bringing Back Beloved Thin-Crust Pizza

The iconic Des Moines pizzeria has returned after a three-year hiatus, rekindling local cravings.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:47am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single, recognizable pizza slice repeated in a grid pattern, using a bold, neon color palette to capture the celebratory energy of Orlondo's return to the local dining scene.The revival of Orlondo's iconic thin-crust pizza has rekindled a sense of community pride and nostalgia in Des Moines.Des Moines Today

After closing its doors in 2019, the beloved Orlondo's pizzeria in Des Moines, Iowa has made a triumphant comeback, reopening its doors and once again serving up its signature thin-crust pies that had become a beloved part of the city's culinary landscape over its 45-year history.

Why it matters

Orlondo's closure in 2019 left a void in the local dining scene, as the iconic pizzeria had become a fixture in the daily lives of many Des Moines residents. Its revival is seen as a win for the community, restoring a cherished dining destination and rekindling local pride.

The details

Orlondo's, known for its thin-crust pizza, first opened its doors in 1974 and had become a staple in the Des Moines dining scene over the course of its 45-year run. When the restaurant closed in 2019, it was met with disappointment from loyal customers who had grown accustomed to the eatery's signature pies and welcoming atmosphere. Now, after a three-year hiatus, Orlondo's has reopened, once again serving up its beloved thin-crust pizzas and rekindling the nostalgia of longtime patrons.

  • Orlondo's first opened in 1974.
  • The restaurant closed its doors in 2019.
  • Orlondo's has now reopened in 2026.

The players

Orlondo's

A beloved pizzeria in Des Moines, Iowa that first opened its doors in 1974 and became a fixture in the local dining scene before closing in 2019, only to make a triumphant comeback in 2026.

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The takeaway

Orlondo's return to the Des Moines dining landscape is a heartwarming story of community, nostalgia, and the enduring power of a beloved local institution. Its revival has rekindled the city's love for its signature thin-crust pizza and serves as a testament to the resilience of small businesses that become ingrained in the fabric of a local community.