New Ownership Will Save the Original Ledo Restaurant, a Maryland Pizza Institution for 65 Years [Updated] | Eater DC

"An iconic Maryland pizza shop known for its signature flaky, rectangular "Square Pizza" with a sweet sauce and beloved by University of Maryland students, musicians, and professional sports stars isn't closing after all: owner Tommy Marcos Jr., whose father co-founded Ledo in 1955, struck a deal to sell the original College Park business and recipes to Chesapeake Hospitality as he looks to retire amid health problems. Chesapeake, which already operates Ledo franchises, is finalizing a lease with the city and plans to keep the restaurant at 4509 Knox Road closed for four to six months for renovations, with Marcos offering to consult to help keep the beloved pizza the same. The Marcos family listed the business for sale in January 2020 and weathered a 1989 franchise split that left the family with the original shop while the Bealls grew a corporate chain of more than 100 locations; the original store, founded in Adelphi and moved to College Park in 2009 (leaving behind a location full of stained-glass lamps and photographs of famous visitors), has hosted celebrities from Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones to sports legends like Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, and Yogi Berra, and was even featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. It's a perfect place for families or gathering for lunch with friends." - Gabe Hiatt