In an unexpected culinary twist, the City of Brotherly Love has recently seen the closure of a unique Queen Village pizzeria. This was no ordinary pizza joint, however. The establishment, known as Stoned Pizzeria, was notorious for integrating cannabis into their pies, a practice that has abruptly landed them in hot water.
A Joint Inspection
Stoned Pizzeria, a branch of a New York City-based pizza chain, was subject to a joint inspection by Philadelphia’s Licenses and Inspections and Health Departments. The scrutiny revealed that the pizzeria lacked a crucial business license and health certificate, instigating an immediate shutdown.
The Pizzeria or the Event Space?
Interestingly, the general manager, Luke Wetherhold, contested the premises’ identity. He claimed it was a full-blown event space called South Street Events, not a restaurant. Yet in the next breath, he claimed there was no operation at all.
This contradictory stance further complicated the narrative, considering the owner, Chris Barrett, has three Stoned Pizzerias successfully operating in Manhattan and Brooklyn since New York legalized marijuana in 2021.
The Community’s Concern
Word of the pizzeria’s closure spread rapidly among Queen Village residents. The establishment, hidden behind thick gray curtains, operated in a speakeasy-style. It catered to a 21-and-over crowd, serving an array of cannabis-infused food and beverages, such as pizza, salad, and even sodas.
Queen Village Neighborhood Association President, Cait Allen, vocalized dual concerns regarding the restaurant. The flouting of rules and regulations was a primary concern. Simultaneously, the shift towards attracting tourists rather than residents was also a point of contention.
Looking Ahead
The community and local officials are now seeking a change to South Street’s zoning overlay to prevent the opening of similar establishments in the future. With this change, establishments like Stoned Pizzeria might remain a closed chapter in Queen Village’s history.
However, the final fate of the establishment remains uncertain. It’s still unclear what steps the restaurant might take to attempt a revival. But for now, Queen Village’s infamous pizzeria remains shuttered, marking an interesting episode in Philadelphia’s culinary chronicles.
