By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–A local restaurant in Helena has closed due to its inability to negotiate a new lease with the landlord, according to a Facebook post by the restaurant.

Little Italy’s Pizza was located at 131 Ace Place in Helena, where it offered pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

“This post comes with a heavy heart…but, Little Italy’s Pizza in Helena is now closed,” read a statement from the restaurant’s Facebook page. “A new lease couldn’t be negotiated with the landlord. Thank you Helena for your patronage for the years we were in business in Helena. Thank you for continuing to support the restaurant even after Rusty was no longer able to work there. We will miss our favorites!”

The Helena location saw a change in management in recent years after Little Italy’s opened a sister location in 5 Points South in Birmingham.

Little Italy’s Pies & Pints in Birmingham is still in business and Helena customers are encouraged to visit the downtown Birmingham location that offers the same menu.

“The landlord worked well with us for several years, honestly,” read another statement from Little Italy’s on its Facebook page. “He reduced the rent for us when we showed him the percentage rent needed to be for our business to make it. He did this to keep us there. However, since we left, sales have steadily dropped, and as a result, making rent became more difficult for her each month.”

Frankie’s Market Café in Helena also closed its doors on April 19 due to the inability to negotiate a new lease with a landlord.