Organ Stop Pizza is the largest and most well-known of the current Pipe Organ and Pizza restaurants.
It was long-planned to be featured as the climax of the documentary’s chapter on the remaining operations, featuring topics such as the owners’ views on operating a sustainable business in this format, the rigors of being a performer – complete with example performances during dinner service, and an overview of former major components from the Organ Grinder which are now incorporated into the Organ Stop instrument.
Organ Stop management initially agreed, but placed significant constraints on timing and scope. However, the production agreed to these terms which, although challenging, would still allow for adequate coverage of the desired topics.
However, on the day before filming, new constraints were added, including that no live performances during regular service could be recorded.
It was decided to continue, however, as it might be possible in the future to come to an agreement on licensing videos of existing performances.
On the day of filming, Organ Stop management added further restrictions, including that the pipe chambers could not be filmed, and that no owner or manager would be made available for an interview.
After much discussion back-and-forth, no clear path forward could be negotiated.
Because filming under all of these limitations would result in a fundamentally incomplete depiction of the restaurant, and would be a disservice to the audience, the filmmaker made the decision to discontinue production.
Whether and how Organ Stop will be featured in the documentary remains to be decided.
We regret that this situation could not be resolved, and apologize to the backers and supporters of the project, that this key part of the story, which was mentioned in fundraising materials, may not be included in the final film.
Notwithstanding any behind-the-scenes issues, we continue to strongly recommend that people check out and patronize the restaurant. The pipe organ is magnificent, the performers are top-notch, and a night out at Organ Stop is a highly enjoyable experience.
– The Executive Producers and Bob Richardson, Producer/Director
January 7, 2026
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