Pizza lovers will feel like they are in paradise when they visit a new pizzeria that opened last month in downtown Grand Rapids. Georgio's features 54 different pizzas, including gourmet choices such as black bean, meat lasagna and gyro pizzas. About 30 selections will be displayed in the pizzeria's food case for careful inspection.
Located at 15 Ionia Ave. SW between HopCat and Bar Divani, Georgio's will primarily feature pizza-by-the-slice, according to Chris Wooldridge, pizzeria manager. "We really want to feed on that late-night crowd, so in our opinion, this is the block to be," he says.
"We've got the Van Andel Arena in our backyard, and in our immediate block, there are several bars and restaurants," says Wooldridge, a former manager of Morning Star Café in Grand Haven. "We feel there is a need for what we provide in the downtown area."
Tasos Alimanos started the business in East Lansing about 15 years ago where he now operates two Georgio's pizzerias. They are popular among Michigan State University students for satisfying late-night munchies with gourmet pizza by the slice.
By signing a lease with C W D Real Estate Investment to occupy an empty storefront in Grand Rapids, Alimanos and other local investors hope the success spreads to this side of the state. The 2,000-square-foot eatery seats about 50 diners.
Wooldridge says the pizzeria will feature different promotions, such as buy one slice and get the second one at half-price.
Georgio's is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Prices start at $2.50 per slice, with most signature slices going for $3.75 a piece.
Sources: Chris Wooldridge, manager of Georgio's pizzeria
Sharon Hanks is editor of innovations and job news for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at sharon@rapidgrowthmedia.
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