By James Lomuscio
In the latest spin on downtown pizza, Westport Pizzeria is staying put at 107 Main St., its home since Columbus Day 1968, owner Carmelo Mioli said today.
Mel Mioli chats with an employee at Westport Pizzeria, a Main Street mainstay since 1968. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Mioli had originally planned to relocate to 143 Post Road East, occupying the first floor of a building he had purchased as an investment in January. The reason for the move, Mioli said, was exorbitant Main Street rent and the need to be his own landlord.
Mioli’s plan was to have Westport Pizzeria occupy the space used by Joe’s Pizza at 143 Post Road East, the lease for which expires at the end of this month.
But this past week upon returning from Milan where he had visited his son, Francesco, who is studying abroad, Mioli had some good news waiting. Hiis landlord Malkin Properties, which owns the Empire State Building as well as myriad Connecticut holdings, had offered him a new Main Street lease Mioli said was acceptable. His present lease is up in December.
“This is great news, and we’re so happy to stay in this Main Street location that has been a part of Westport for so many years and has seen so many generations grow up,” he said. “The pizzeria at this location is part of the town’s history. There’s a community here.
“We also heard a lot of sentiments from customers who asked us to stay here,” Mioli added.
But there is another slice to this story. Mioli, whose Westport Pizzeria has been the only Main Street pizzeria for the past 45 years, will have nearby competition.
Westport Pizzeria will have competition down the street from Joe’s Pizza. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
His former tenant Joe’s Pizza owned by Wilton resident Joe Canicatti recently announced it will relocate in June to 190 Main St. in the Main Street Commons shopping strip.
Regarding the space Joe’s Pizzeria had occupied for six years at 143 Post Road East, Mioli said he has already had several offers from prospective tenants.
“We’re taking our time because we want to have the best tenant,” he said.
While this is great news to keep one of the last pieces of Main Street intact, I really feel for Joe who was being forced out and was setting up shop on Main Street to fill a gap.
Now he has to compete. Hopefully Westporters eat enough main street pizza to keep both of these eateries in business. Please do your part and spread the sauce around.
Sounds like Westport Pizza tried to get rid of Joes. Joe’s pizza is not only great, he is a great guy too. He never wanted to move his location, he was forced to do so. Now we have yet another empty store front. We will continue to support Joe’s Pizza regardless of his location.