One of Grand Junction's best pizza places has gone bye-bye. What happened to Nick-N-Willy's on Horizon Drive?

Lunch plans earlier today included a visit to one of my old favorites, Nick N-Willy's. Years ago I was their spokesperson. Yes, that's right, spokesperson for a local pizza restaurant.

Nick-N-Willy's started out as a take-n-bake store, but ultimately began cooking pizzas on site. The lunch deals couldn't be beat.

Well, as time went by, life, accompanied by a shortage of funds, rudely interrupted my going out for lunch plans. Now that I'm back on my feet, I thought a visit to my old haunt was in order.

Imagine my surprise upon seeing this at the front door. It seems Nick-N-Willy's has been closed since New Years. If you look through the window, you'll notice the furniture, and apparently even the kitchen equipment, still inside.

Nick N Willy's Notice Grand Junction
Tom Freeman
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I spoke with some of the neighboring businesses. It seems the restaurant changed hands a couple of times over the last few years. According to the neighboring businesses, the owners have been trying to sell the business for some time.

The sign at top states they "hope to reopen as soon as possible." Some of the nearby businesses, and even an ex employee, say that is unlikely.

Looking back, this restaurant hosted several fantastic fundraisers over the years. Everything from the Community Food Drive to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fundraisers. We could always count on this restaurant and its crew to help us out.

What a drag. Their pizza was fantastic. I don't recall ever purchasing a take-n-bake, but I sure enjoyed the pizzas they served already prepared.

Thank you for a good run, Nick-N-Willy's. We did a number of great fundraisers for local charities over the years. Your contribution to Western Colorado is very much appreciated. Here's hoping we'll see you again someday.

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