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Papa Keno's Pizzeria in Des Moines closes

"We want to be there for the community," owner Alec Davis told Local 5.

DES MOINES, Iowa — A pizza shop near Drake University is closing its doors for good after two years in business. 

Papa Keno's Pizzeria, located at 24th St and University Ave, posted to social media Monday morning to announce that Sunday, June 7 was their final day of operations in Des Moines.

"Some important news this morning. Given everything going on over the past couple months, we have taken the opportunity to reassess who we are, what we do and what we’re about," the post reads. "After some reflection, we have made the decision to close the Papa Keno’s Drake store effective immediately. The final day of store operation was Sunday June 7th, 2020."

Papa Keno's also has locations in Lawrence, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri

"First and foremost, we want to thank everyone for your support over the past 2 years. It has been our pleasure to be part of the community here located right in the heart of Des Moines’ most diverse and most awesome neighborhood," Papa Keno's Pizzera in Des Moines wrote. "We’ve had a lot of fun hosting events, parties and everything in between."

In an interview with Local 5, owner Alec Davis said the decision doesn't mean he and restaurant management will be leaving the space vacant, but that they "want to be there for the community."

"We took stock of everything and decided maybe it was time to do something that truly reflected our values and who we are," Davis said.

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