Pi Pizzeria plans move to smaller location
It was probably a tough call, but Pete Favia has made the decision to part with one of St. Charles' most visible downtown properties.
No, he isn't closing Pi Pizza Perfection, formerly Armand's, at 102 E. Main St. But in an attempt to branch out and possibly open several franchise eateries, he does plan to vacate this quaint corner storefront at Main Street and First Avenue.
"The plan is to move to a smaller location," said Favia, who opened the restaurant in 1998. "What we want to do is start franchising -- do more pickup and delivery" from perhaps several locations.
Favia said business has been pretty good since he bought out a business partner last year and changed Armand's, an Italian restaurant, to Pi and expanded the menu.
While it was clear early on that Favia struggled to convince diners that he was still offering the same food and service as Armand's previously did, he said that isn't the reason for a potential move. It's more about focusing on the eatery's success with carry outs and deliveries.
O'Donnell Commercial Real Estate lists the two-story building as 4,600 square feet. It was renovated in 2002. The price: $1.7 million.
According to the listing, 42,466 vehicles pass by a day. It's also a short walk from the Fox River and is directly across the street from the Arcada Theatre and the downtown Starbucks.
'You can always go': Also on the subject of downtown, several businesses and projects there were honored last week with Pride Awards from the Downtown St. Charles Partnership.
The nonprofit group recognized them for investments in the business community during its annual meeting at the Arcada.
Partnership Executive Director David Richards said the nominees and award winners demonstrated the "broad spectrum of talent we have," adding, "These are very positive signs for the future of St. Charles."
Award-winning businesses and projects were:
• The Arcada Theatre and manager Onesti Entertainment for having several sold-out events and upgrading lighting, dressing rooms and décor.
• The Bob Leonard Walkway, a public project by the partnership and the River Corridor Foundation.
• The Downtown Directory Kiosks, a joint venture between the city and local businesses to help visitors find shops and parking. The kiosks also won Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn's 2007 Award for Excellence as the Best Downtown Signage category
• Eliza Jane Boutique and Spa for owners Megan Hernandez's and Nicole Guvenoz's investment of nearly $75,000 to open the shop at 322 W. Main St. The company reported sales exceeding $350,000 in its first year and was a top-three finalist for a Quinn award in the Best New Business Success category.
Elsewhere downtown: This week, Bridges: A Gallery of Fine Art will celebrate its grand opening with a two-day open house from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the gallery, 305 N. Second St. For details, call (630) 377-7726 or visit www.bridgesfineart.com.