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Could this be where Pica’s Restaurant is moving in Delco?

Here’s where the paper trail suggests Pica’s is moving in Broomall

Pica's Restaurant has been in Upper Darby since 1956, but it was the second location for Frank Pica Sr., who opened Frank's Pizzeria in West Philadelphia in 1941.
Pica's Restaurant has been in Upper Darby since 1956, but it was the second location for Frank Pica Sr., who opened Frank's Pizzeria in West Philadelphia in 1941.Read moreJenn Ladd / Staff

Delaware County restaurant watchers have been abuzz since Pica’s announcement in March that it would close its home of nearly 70 years in Upper Darby and relocate elsewhere in the county.

But where would the pizzeria — whose fans include comedian Tina Fey — go?

Last week, Pica’s took to social media to offer “an exciting sneak peek — our variance was just approved ... in BROOMALL!” It also announced that its closing has been delayed from summer to the fall. “We can confirm our dining room and takeout will remain open throughout the summer season,” the Pica family wrote. “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this transition.”

Facebook message boards lit up with speculation about the new location, with some contending that it would resurface in a shopping center and others suggesting a vacant lot previously used for carnival.

The restaurant’s “sneak peek” post points the curious to the Marple Township Zoning Board, which on June 18 approved a zoning variance for a restaurant at 1101 Sussex Blvd., a former gym in Lawrence Park Industrial Park. Although restaurants typically value visibility, this would square with talk that Pica’s new location will offer takeout and not dine-in.

Representatives of Pica’s and the landlord, Giacomucci Properties, did not reply to requests for comment.

Pica’s, best known for its sauce-on-the-top pan pizzas, homespun menu, and banquet facilities, traces its operation to 1941, when Frank Pica Sr. opened Frank’s Pizzeria at 62nd and Race Streets in West Philadelphia. He and son Frank Jr. moved to the sprawling building at West Chester Pike and Fairview Avenue in 1956. The family opened a West Chester location in 2017.