Restaurant scene sizzles downtown

The downtown restaurant industry is really cooking.

Roly Poly Sandwiches has moved out of the space at 400 South Ave. Soon to fill that spot: Giorgio’s Pizza, the first foray into the restaurant ownership for Todd Thurston.

Thurston, who rents the space from owner Miller Commerce LLC for an undisclosed amount, said Giorgio’s will have a pizza pub atmosphere.

“The main thing is going to be the pizza,” Thurston said, adding that wraps and other sandwiches also will be sold.

Thurston expected to be open for business by April 10; last-minute modifications were still being completed at press time. He said he also wants to add beer to the menu, once his liquor license is granted by the city, and he plans to add patio seating in front of the store, pending city approval.

Lance Baker opened the Roly Poly franchise in February 2004. Neither Baker nor landlord Matt Miller could be reached for comment.

Thurston said he’s spent less than $1,000 sprucing up the place because as a previous restaurant, much of the needed equipment and furniture is already in the building.

The new restaurant adds pizza and sandwiches to a South Avenue block that already offers Italian from Bruno’s and Mexican food from Maria’s.

“We think we bring a nice mix,” Thurston said. “We’re not as expensive as Bruno’s, but we’d like to think we’ve got a pretty good atmosphere, too. We’ve been in here remodeling for about three weeks, and on average we have about 100 people a day pulling on the door trying to get in.”

One of downtown’s dining staples could also be under new ownership soon.

Sales negotiations are ongoing at Nonna’s Italian American Café, 306 South Ave., but owner Mary Faucett said a deal has not yet been finalized.

Nonna’s is one of downtown’s longest-standing restaurants, having been in operation for nearly 15 years.

Sushi battle

South Avenue is not the only place downtown with eatery activity.

Haruno Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill has plans to open a second location at 306 S. Campbell, formerly the home of A. Deckard Interiors. Haruno owner Young Sun Jung purchased the building for an undisclosed amount in July and plans to turn it into a second Haruno location to complement the original at 3044 S. Fremont.

General Manager Nyong Kyun Yi said the downtown location is ideal for meeting the requests of the restaurant’s clientele, who have been clamoring for a location not so far south.

“Downtown customers like variety,” Yi added. “Downtown has a lot of bars and clubs. We decided to go there because we wanted to add another fine dining (option).”

Yi said that the restaurant’s original schedule to open in May has been postponed while paperwork and permits are lined up. A new opening date has not yet been determined.

Downtown’s current sushi offering, Izumi Hatake at 302 E. Walnut, also is undergoing changes. In January, Texas businessman Jung Il Paik purchased the restaurant for about $100,000 from Kang C. Mallard. Paik, who now lives in Springfield, plans to expand the restaurant into an adjoining unit, according to manager Joe Baik. The addition of four hibachi grills should be complete later this summer.

Buckingham Smokehouse founder and owner David Campbell first brought sushi downtown in 2001. He later sold Izumi Hatake to Mallard.