A State College pizza shop has shut down after less than two years in business.
8 Mile Pizza, 300 S. Pugh St., is closed “effective immediately,” according to a post Friday on its Facebook page. Specializing in Detroit-style pizza, the shop had carved a niche among State College’s various pizzerias, but management cited several factors in announcing the closure.
“8 Mile has been a beloved spot for many, but unfortunately, rising food costs, staffing difficulties, location, and financials no longer align for us to continue operations at this time at the current location,” according to the post.
Despite the closure, owner Steve Masterson hasn’t given up on 8 Mile’s future in the State College area.
“Ownership will continue to explore other future possibilities in the market, including finding a more central location with dining area, and the opportunity to serve alcohol, so this isn’t goodbye forever,” the post stated.
Masterson, who also operates Stage West in State College, opened 8 Mile at the former Gumby’s Pizza location in August 2023. Its Detroit-style pizza — a rectangular pan pizza noted for its thick and crisp crust, brick cheese and toppings to the edges of the pie — garnered widely positive reviews, including for its specialty pies like hot honey pepperoni and garlic dill.
“Since opening our doors in 2023, we’ve been so proud to share our Detroit-style pizza with you, and we are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from the students and community,” 8 Mile wrote in the post. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to every customer we’ve had the honor of serving over the last two years. Your support has meant the world to us!”
Masterson continues to offer Detroit-style pizza at Mutant Brewing in Scranton.
