'Like losing a second home': Emperor Norton's restaurant in San Jose will shutter after 45 years

After 45 years in business, the coronavirus crisis has caused Emperor Norton's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria to close its doors for good. After 45 years in business, the coronavirus crisis has caused Emperor Norton's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria to close its doors for good. Photo: Mark K./Yelp Photo: Mark K./Yelp Image 1 of / 22 Caption Close 'Like losing a second home': Emperor Norton's restaurant in San Jose will shutter after 45 years 1 / 22 Back to Gallery

There was a line out the door at Emperor Norton’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria as South San Jose residents waited for their last takeout dinner from the family-owned eatery.

The neighborhood standby named for a certain San Francisco eccentric was known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty entrees. It’s closing Sunday after 45 years in business, but employees said the hardest part of ceasing operations was not being able to thank longtime customers and hug them goodbye as social distancing prevented a proper farewell.

“It’s like losing a second home,” employee Doug Savage told NBC Bay Area. “This is a restaurant that is going to be missed by the entire community.”

Opening in 1975 as a tiny pizza parlor, the restaurant eventually expanded to a full-service menu and served generations of South Bay families. It was famous for its hand-tossed pizzas, including "Bummer's Favorite," a nod to Norton's dog who had a particular affinity for "bumming" snacks from guests at Martin's Saloon on Montgomery Street. The sausage, salami and pepperoni pie became a signature dish.

Last month, owners Todd and Lauryce Haney said they had reduced staffing and were offering discounts on bottles of wine or beer purchased with takeout orders in an attempt to stay afloat during the shelter-in-place. Business was reportedly up by more than 40 percent in Emperor Norton’s final hours, but it wasn’t enough to sustain the toll taken by the current public health crisis in addition to surging costs in rent, food and labor.

“If sales can’t keep up, you are forced to make the tough decision and close your doors, no matter how much I and the community love the place,” Todd Haney told the Mercury News.

The restaurant will be open until 8 p.m. Sunday for takeout and delivery before it shutters for good.

Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett