WARREN — Carmen’s Pizza on Youngstown-Warren Road, a local favorite since the 1960s that closed earlier this year, reopened Saturday morning under new ownership while keeping the shop’s classic flavors.

Carmen’s Pizza will welcome customers starting at 11 a.m., with new owners Sean and Mary Walker behind the counter. The restaurant, a fixture in the community since 1965, shut down when previous owners Cathy and Gilbert Dalton retired.

The Walkers, both Warren natives, shared a vision of one day owning a restaurant.

“It’s always been something we’ve talked about,” Sean Walker said. “This one came along at the right time.”

Mary Walker had been coming to Carmen’s since her childhood. The couple plans to keep things familiar for returning customers.

“All the recipes are staying the same. The menu is staying the same,” Sean Walker said. “Nothing’s coming off, we might add a few things down the road.”

“No reason to reinvent the wheel,” Mary Walker added. “This place has been successful since 1965.”

They’ve retained experienced kitchen staff, including dough maker Ryan York, who began working there as a teenager and views the Daltons as a second family.

“I kind of grew up here,” York said. “It’s sad to see them go, but I’m glad it’s coming back.”

York, a lifelong Warren resident, asked for patience from customers during the reopening rush as the team adjusts to new systems.

The Walkers bring management experience from prior careers and expressed confidence in the returning staff’s ability to maintain the beloved taste.

“We’re excited to bring it back to life,” Mary Walker said. “It means a lot to us and the community.”