Palm Bay restaurant, Wagon Wheel Pizza, closing down this Saturday after 40 years

After 40 years as a Palm Bay favorite, Wagon Wheel Pizza will serve its final pie this Saturday.

Owner Keith Elwood is closing the family-owned business and entering retirement.

“My father and uncle opened this in 1984, and I’ve been doing this 39 and change years,” Elwood told FLORIDA TODAY in between fielding calls about the news. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m ready for something less taxing on me.”

Wagon Wheel Pizza in Palm Bay expected to be packed its last few days in business

Elwood encouraged customers to be patient these last few days of business. He expects a full house Friday and Saturday as longtime diners come say their goodbyes to employees, some of whom have been on staff for decades.

“It’s going to be very emotional on all parts,” Elwood said. “We appreciate their business and support for all these years. Without them we would not be here.”

Elwood said he owns the building where Wagon Wheel is housed. He said he’s not sure what its future holds, but there are “lots of different things in the works.”

As for Elwood, he’s looking forward to traveling more and spending more time with his three children and four grandchildren who all live out of state.

Melbourne Wagon Wheel remains opened

The Wagon Wheel in Melbourne is actually the original Wagon Wheel that opened in 1971 by Elwood’s uncle. Elwood’s cousin runs the restaurant today, and he said they have no plans to close.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached atMSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.