Mizzoni’s Pizza Portlaoise closed due to investigation into allegations of ‘serious misconduct’

MIZZONI’S Pizza, one of Ireland’s oldest pizza chains, has announced the temporary closure of its Portlaoise branch due to “allegations of offenses and serious misconduct”.

According to a statement released 15 April by the pizza chain, the store will be closed “with immediate effect” while an internal formal investigation takes place.

“Due to the seriousness of said allegations we today made the decision to withdraw our services which has forced the shop to close”, the statement reads.

Earlier this week, a woman posted a TikTok alleging that she had been sexually harassed by one of the store’s delivery drivers.

She reported receiving multiple sexually aggressive voice notes from the person in question. She says she has reported the incident to Mizzoni’s and the Gardaí.

In an initial statement, Mizzoni’s said: “We are deeply concerned by the reports circulating on social media alleging that a delivery driver associated with a Mizzoni’s Pizza franchise sent inappropriate and sexual messages to a customer.

“Mizzoni’s Pizza has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or misconduct of any kind. Although the location involved is an independently owned and operated franchise using the Mizzoni’s Pizza name under license, we take any allegation involving our brand very seriously.” 

Mizzoni’s said they had reached out to the franchisee in question to ask them to cooperate fully with the authorities and to conduct an immediate internal review.

In the statement released 15 April, the pizza chain said that head office has an experienced franchisee who will reopen Portlaoise in about three weeks.

The statement continues: “We ask that members of the public and social media users refrain from targeting Mizzoni’s Pizza staff, customers, or anyone involved in the ongoing investigation. This is a serious matter, and it is also an isolated incident to Portlaoise.

“We request anyone with information relating to this incident or have information of any other incidents involving Portlaoise to make contact with us at info@mizzoni.ie We can assure you this will be confidential and your safety is our top priority.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding as we prioritize safety and a thorough, fair investigation for all involved.”