I remember living in a small town in Western Iowa town called Sac City. We had our own little pizza place called "The Depot" which was run out of an old train depot. There wasn't much for restaurants in a town like that so if you went out to eat in another surrounding community it was a real treat. Most of the time it was definitely "worth the drive".

While that still may be the case for one particular Eastern Iowa restaurant, they have announced they are closing and there may be a variety of reasons for it.

Local hometown restaurants in general are struggling. whether it be due to rising product costs, staffing issues, or gas prices so high that even at a place that prides itself on being "worth the drive!" in its longtime advertising, customers and staff alike may be feeling the crunch.

According to their website, Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse opened in1997 "to serve Independence and the surrounding area, but since then have grown to be a destination for people to enjoy. We are happy to serve Northeast Iowa. We pride ourselves on quality food and great customer service."

Folks in Independence and around Eastern Iowa who have taken the time to visit them, will now have to drive elsewhere for great local service and food.

According to KWWL, Bill's Pizza and Smokehouse in Independence is closing on September 9. The owner, Bill Versluis did not offer much information on the reason for the closure on Facebook, other than to say

It's official, we have had the privilege of serving northeast Iowa for 25 years. My staff and I would like to thank all of our great customers that we have come to know over the years! It's with a heavy heart that I say that September 9th will be our last day in business. We hope you can get out and use any remaining gift cards by then. Thank you for your support!
Fans are voicing both their well-wishes and devastation on Facebook.
Facebook via Bill's Pizza and Smokehouse
Facebook via Bill's Pizza and Smokehouse
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Facebook via Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse
Facebook via Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse
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Facebook via Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse
Facebook via Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse
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 Safe to say that the last comment sums it up. We wish the staff and owners at Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse well.

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