Popular one-man pizza joint closing | Inquirer Greater Abington
Plus, Cheltenham High looks to reignite hope with new homecoming plan.
Hi, Greater Abington.
One-man-show pizza concept Apizzeria 888, which sells out every night, will close its doors in Elkins Park Sunday. Also in the headlines, Cheltenham High School officials look to return a sense of pride to the community with an overhauled homecoming plan, three juveniles have been charged with ethnic intimidation for allegedly spray-painting racist and antisemitic graffiti at Weldon playground, and a woman was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for the 2023 slaying of a SEPTA driver.
— Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
Inquirer Greater Abington
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For the last year, Sebastian Besiso has channeled his energy into successfully executing “an idea that looked almost impossible on paper” at his Elkins Park spot, Apizzeria 888.
The one-man takeout concept, which intentionally avoids social media attention and delivery platforms, has operated on Old York Road on a strictly text-or-call-reservation basis — and sold out of its pies every night. Now, it’s a wrap on Apizzeria 888, which will call it quits on Sunday following a dispute over the building.
Cheltenham High School has a new homecoming plan hinging on a varsity soccer game as the main event, as officials try to usher the student body through the weighty aftermath of the locker room assault scandal that rocked the community.
While some students pushed back on the updated plan, student council says a large turnout is still expected. Homecoming staples such as cheerleaders, pep band, drumline, and color guard will return. The school is also adding an event to the lineup that leaders hope will become a new tradition.
The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan has all the details.
💡 Community news
Abington police charged three juveniles with ethnic intimidation on Thursday for allegedly spray-painting antisemitic and racist graffiti at Glenside’s recently renovated “Cheese” playground. Faith leaders, township officials, and residents last week cleaned up the hateful marks and then gathered for a unity rally at the site.
Cheltenham’s commissioners voted in a special meeting last Tuesday to cancel its contract with a private developer to overhaul Conklin Pool, just days before oral arguments were to be heard in a related resident-filed lawsuit. Township officials still vowed to proceed with a pool project on the site.
A Philadelphia woman was sentenced on Friday to at least 30 years in prison for fatally shooting SEPTA bus driver and Abington resident Bernard N. Gribbin, 48, in 2023.
Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph urged Abington voters to turn out for Gov. Josh Shapiro in November’s midterms, saying at an event held at Salem Adult Citizens Center over the weekend that she believes Black women will be a driving force in helping him clinch reelection, and potentially a presidency.
Monday is the last day to register to vote if you want to cast your ballot in the Nov. 3 election. Check out The Inquirer’s 2026 Pennsylvania Midterms Voter’s Guide for specifics on how and where to vote, plus who the candidates are.
There are No Kings protests planned in Abington Township and Willow Grove on Saturday as part of the nationwide movement.
Concrete pouring will close Cherry Street between York Road and Johnson Street in Jenkintown today from 7 a.m. to noon.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Montgomery County has seen a 3.1% decline in the number of children from 2010 to 2025, reflecting a trend across Greater Philadelphia and the country. Residents without kids point to factors such as rising expenses and other life priorities.
A drive to Montgomery County farms such as Merrymead in Lansdale and Northern Star in Trappe will take you to fall activity staples from pumpkin picking and hayrides to pony rides and corn mazes. See our full list of 19 farms in the area for spooky season.
🏫 Schools briefing
Jenkintown School District is considering buying the Salba Apartments affordable housing complex next to the baseball and softball field. Last month, it commissioned an architectural feasibility study that is expected by February.
🍽️ On our plate
El Paisano Tienda, a Latin food store selling imported groceries, authentic snacks, and fresh pastries, recently opened in Glenside.
🎳 Things to do
💍 Fall Rummage Sale: Hunt for secondhand finds at this biannual bargain event, which includes days dedicated to jewelry and $5 fill-a-bag sales. ⏰ Thursday, Oct. 15-Saturday, Oct. 17, times vary 💵 Pay as you go 📍 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Glenside
😂 New Face, New Tour: Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is bringing her latest laugh-inducing act to town. ⏰ Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. 💵 $54.33-$65.68 📍 Keswick Theatre, Glenside
🥧 Keswick Village Fall Festival: After weather stymied this event last weekend, the seasonal offering will bring vendors, live entertainment, games, and food trucks to the neighborhood. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 18, 1-6 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Keswick Village, Glenside
🏡 On the market
Built in 1960, this house has four bedrooms and five bathrooms and features two wood-burning fireplaces, a living room wet bar, and many floor-to-ceiling windows. A two-story addition constructed with natural wood offers views to the trees outside and connects to an upstairs bedroom via a spiral staircase. There is an attached two-car garage with a storage loft and side entry to the home, as well as a detached one-car garage.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $899,000 | Size: 3,735 SF | Acreage: 1.43
🗞️ What other Greater Abington residents are reading this week:
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