A downtown Girard staple is shutting its doors after more than 90 years in business. The Royal Gardens Bar and Pizzeria, located at 105 West Liberty Street, is set to close as part of a larger redevelopment effort in the area.

Owner Matt DiVecchio says the decision was made with a "heavy heart" but ultimately became necessary as Windsor House, a company that owns nearby properties, looks to expand its corporate offices.

"We didn’t take this lightly," DiVecchio said. "But being between two buildings without parking made long-term viability difficult. At the same time, I didn’t want to stand in the way of redevelopment that could benefit Girard."

Royal Gardens has been a fixture in the community since 1933, originally opening as a grocery store under the Acerra brothers in 1913 before transforming into the beloved bar and restaurant. Over the years, it became known as a gathering place where generations of families and friends shared meals and memories.

To help with the transition, an online auction is being held to sell off bar equipment, furniture, and vintage memorabilia. Among the most notable items is the original back bar, a handcrafted piece from the early 1900s that has been a signature feature of the establishment.

"It’s ornate, historic, and has been a focal point of Royal Gardens for generations," DiVecchio said.

While Royal Gardens is closing at its current location, DiVecchio isn’t ruling out the possibility of reopening somewhere else in the future.

"We've had unwavering community support, and we’re looking at the possibility of a new location," he said. "This isn’t the end—it’s just a new chapter."

For now, the doors may be closing, but the memories and legacy of Royal Gardens will live on in Girard.

For those interested in bidding on items from Royal Gardens, you can click here for more details.