Central Mass Pizzeria Reopens, Explains Unexpected Closure

A popular pizzeria in Central Massachusetts has recently reopened after an unexpected closure last week. Neko’s of New York, situated in North Grafton, closed its doors on January 7, and returned to service on January 8.
Neko’s Reopening Explained
The owner, Neko Salameh, shared the reasons for the abrupt shutdown through a video on Facebook. He cited the need to renew the restaurant’s license, update insurance, and prepare for tax season.
Changes to Business Hours
In response to customer appreciation and the demands of running the pizzeria, Salameh announced that Neko’s will now close on Mondays. He expressed the necessity of having a day off for himself and his staff.
- Location: 135 Westboro St, North Grafton
- Notable menu items: New York-style pizza, Detroit-style pizza, Big Party Pizzas
- Other offerings: Sandwiches, wings, burritos, and teriyaki bowls
Community Response
The announcement of the reopening was met with relief and support from the local community. Many customers took to the comments section of Salameh’s video to express their happiness and eagerness to visit again.
Staffing Challenges
In an interview with MassLive, Salameh mentioned that he operates the pizzeria with his girlfriend and is looking to hire another pizza-maker. He stated that finding someone for this position has been challenging.
Salameh reflected on the complications of training new staff, particularly for specialized pizza styles like Detroit, New York, and Sicilian. He reassured patrons that Neko’s of New York is committed to delivering high-quality pizzas and appreciates the ongoing support from the community.



