A hub for pizza and Steelers pride is preparing to close its doors.

Vento’s Pizza on North Highland Avenue in East Liberty announced that it will turn out the lights on Saturday after nearly seven decades of slinging handmade pizzas and hoagies.

“The family recipe has stood the test of time, and the quality has kept people coming back for more,” according to the Vento’s website.

The family-owned restaurant became a hub for “Franco’s Italian Army” when Al Vento and his business partner, Tony Stagno, created the fan club in 1972 for the late Franco Harris to celebrate their shared Italian heritage.

“It was the start of a Pittsburgh Steelers fan base like no other because it helped celebrate the Italian heritage of his partners, Franco Harris, and himself,” Vento’s wrote on its website.

A Facebook post stated “The Vento Family would like to thank the people of East Liberty for 67 years of friendship and service. We will be permanently closing on Saturday, March 4. Stop by and see us before we lock our doors for the last time.”

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