For two years, community members have rallied around Al Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth after a fire destroyed the shop. Now, the pizzeria is asking for support for a different reason. Beloved shop owner Al Santillo was hospitalized recently after suffering a medical emergency. In a post on Santillo's Facebook page, Santillo's daughter-in-law, Jenni Santillo, said her father-in-law was in the hospital. "Hi all. My father-in-law Al Santillo is in the hospital due to a stroke and would like me to ask you all to send him all the prayers and positivity you can," the post states. Hundreds of supporters commented words of encouragement on the post, offering positive words and prayers to the restaurant owner. The announcement comes just weeks after Santillo posted photos on Facebook of a new marble countertop and the brick oven, stating that the shop was moving closer to an official grand reopening date. The restaurant — a longtime staple in the Elizabeth community — was destroyed by fire in January 2024. The fire destroyed Santillo's signature 200-square-foot brick oven. In the days following the fire, Al Santillo pledged to rebuild the century-old restaurant. In September 2024, Barstool Sports' "El Presidente" Dave Portnoy hosted his One Bite Pizza Fest at Randall’s Island Park. During the event, Portnoy announced plans to donate the proceeds from the festival to help rebuild Santillo's. He also organized a GoFundMe to help raise additional funds. At last check, more than $35,000 had been raised. While no official date for the reopening has been announced, fans of Santillo's can still purchase the iconic pizza through Goldbelly — an online shop that will ship the pies across the country.