Lil Ronnie’s Slice Shop Bids Farewell to Tremont

Tremont’s Lil Ronnie’s Slice Shop closes, ending a unique pizza chapter. Here’s why this matters for Cleveland’s slice scene.

Pizza dreams burn hot in Cleveland, but not even the best ovens can guarantee forever. Lil Ronnie’s Slice Shop—that hype-worthy slice spot in Tremont—will serve its last pie on Monday, October 26. With a distinctly local take and roots tied to the much-loved Il Rione, the closure signals the end of a tasty era for our slice-hunting streets.

The Story Behind Lil Ronnie’s

When Brian Moss and Brian Holleran—already pizza royalty thanks to Il Rione—opened Lil Ronnie’s, it was a deliberate move. They didn’t just want to carbon-copy their Detroit Shoreway mainstay. Instead, they rolled out a whole new dough style, fresh offerings, and a shop vibe tailored for that cozy Tremont corner (yes, the spot that was Edison’s Pizza for 15 years). Everything here—from dough to identity—was built from scratch.

Why The Slices Stood Out

Lil Ronnie’s wasn’t just a mini Il Rione. They made all their dough in-house, and the menu didn’t mirror Gordon Square’s beloved pies. If you came in expecting the same pizza you found on Detroit Ave, you were in for something totally new:

Slices and whole pies unique to this location
No Detroit-style copypasta here—the sauce, crust, and toppings kept things Tremont-exclusive
A quirky, fast-serve setup focused on popping in, grabbing a slice, and walking back out into the vibe

Why Close Now?

Turns out, specializing isn’t always a slice of heaven. The team’s three-year lease was up, and staying put didn’t match the clarity Moss and Holleran now have for their future. The partners realized they’re happiest—and sharpest—when running just one great pizzeria. Chasing expansion for its own sake? Not their style. As Holleran admits, "We realized that we wanted to run just one place."

What Happens to Il Rione?

Fans of the original spot, worry not. This isn’t a retreat, it’s a rededication. Holleran and Moss are doubling down on Il Rione, which is about to celebrate its ninth birthday and remains one of the best pizza experiences in Cleveland. That means more time, energy, and creativity going straight into their Gordon Square slice haven.

Expect more focus on quality and service at Il Rione
No plans to franchise or jump into another location
The team wants to keep growing—just not in size

The Tremont Pizza Scene Moves On

The end of Lil Ronnie’s isn’t the end for Tremont’s food scene—just the latest swing of Cleveland’s ever-turning pizza pendulum. That spot at 2365 Professor Ave. has proven itself a launchpad for local slice culture, and something new is bound to move in soon. But for now, grab that one last pepperoni slice—and raise it to everyone who’s spiced up Cleveland’s pizza obsession.

Cleveland doesn’t quickly forget its cult-fave spots, so keep supporting the independent operators and local pie shops that keep our nights delicious. And if your cravings remain unsatisfied, you know where to find Il Rione.