In 2016, Philomena opened its doors in Oakland and experienced the usual challenges that come with running a business. One of the biggest challenges was the rising food costs due to inflation. To avoid closure, the pizzeria reached out to their loyal customers, known as the “Philomena Phamily,” for support. They asked for assistance in various ways such as dining in and spreading joy, ordering directly from the restaurant rather than through a third-party, purchasing gift cards, celebrating at the restaurant and ordering catering, and filling out a survey.
The response from the community was overwhelming and positive, with many customers stepping up to help the restaurant survive. The original Philomena location can be found at 1801 14th Avenue while the new location is now at 5333 Adeline Street. Unfortunately, this new location does not have a dining room but Philomena is grateful for the community that has rallied around them in their time of need.
In an Instagram post, Philomena expressed their gratitude to the community for their support over the years. They emphasized that it is the community that has kept them in business and thanked both long-time patrons and new neighbors for their continued support. The pizzeria’s success is a testament to how important it is to have a supportive community behind you during tough times.
