The back entrance to Traer Pizza Palace pictured on Monday, July 28. The Main Street restaurant has been a mainstay in Traer for years but the owners announced recently the business is set to permanently close. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – Those with Traer Pizza Palace gift certificates need to act fast and seize the moment before the business possibly closes for good.

“August 9th tentatively will be our last day,” the business posted on Facebook on Sunday, July 27. “If you have gift certificates get them used up.”

The restaurant, located at 104 S Main Street (US 63), has been in operation for more than two decades, per the City of Traer’s website. It is currently owned by Rick and Brenda Rundel. According to Tama County property records, the business was purchased by Rick (and Sharon Rundel) in 2008.

“Our unique deep dish pizza boasts a buttery, crisp crust and original sauce recipe, piled high with toppings and ooey-gooey cheese. No skimping on these pies! Thin crust, bread sticks and dessert pizzas are specialties too. Our menu also features burgers, tacos, appetizers, beer, and wine. A trip to the Traer Pizza Palace will have you begging for more!” a page dedicated to the restaurant on the City’s website states.

The newspaper reached out to Brenda via text message on Monday morning regarding the reason for the closure and future plans for the business and building, but as of press time had not heard back.

The reflection of La Terraza Mexican Restaurant & Seafood is visible in the front windows of Traer Pizza Palace this past Monday. The longtime pizza restaurant is slated to close for good soon, leaving La Terraza as the only restaurant in town. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Over the course of at least the past year, the business has been plagued by closures due to staffing issues as well as illness. On April 19, the business posted on Facebook, “We will not be able to open tonight … Brenda was admitted to the hospital yesterday and we’re still here waiting for answers.”

Two days later on April 21, a subsequent post read, “Brenda thanks everyone for the well wishes and prayers. Still have some follow up appointments to do. We will be open Wednesday the 23rd. Thank you for your patience and kind words.”

With the closure of Pizza Palace, La Terraza Mexican Seafood & Grill remains the community’s only restaurant and The Junkyard Bar stands as the only watering hole following the shuttering of the Wind-Up Lounge in April 2024.

Tama County pizza options in general have been dwindling as of late as LB’s Pizza in Dysart closed permanently at the end of January.

“After 9 1/2 years here with LB’s Pizza, we have decided to end our Pizza Journey,” the business, owned by Bickkam Cam, posted on Facebook in mid-January. “We will be closing our doors on Jan 31st. We thank you for your support and loyalty for the last 30 years.”

For those hankering for a pizza without firing up the home oven, Casey’s remains open in Dysart, La Porte City, Gladbrook, and Tama, while Mike’s Pizza in Toledo and Nana Rosa’s Pizza in Reinbeck all continue to operate in the general area as sit-down restaurants.

A carryout/delivery-only Pizza Hut is also still in operation in Toledo.