A new pizzeria opening in downtown Andalusia is moving closer to opening after The Andalusia City Council approval of an alcohol license for retail outlets during the meeting on Tuesday.
Lost Pizza Co. will open on one of the floors in the renovated Prestwood Building located on the downtown square. Patrick Kirkland, a co-owner of Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Andalusia that will also run Lost Pizza Co., attended the council meeting and said the restaurant will open in October, and possibly in the beginning of October. 3.
“I am grateful to everyone for your faith in us. We are adamant about Andalusia and we hope to continue growing with the community. We’ve noticed the work happening in front of us (Heritage Park) and we’re extremely excited about everything else happening in the local community. We are grateful for the support we’ve received from 2016, when Big Mike’s was opened,” Kirkland said.
Kirkland said that the new employees will start training in the next few days, in preparation for the grand opening. The restaurant plans to hire 40-45 employees. The restaurant will be open every day of the week to serve lunch as well as dinner. Delivery will be provided by contracted deliverers, like DoorDash.
Mayor Earl Johnson said Big Mike’s was a wonderful community partner, and he is looking forward to expanding this relationship through an opening date for the restaurant’s new location.
“We are grateful for what Big Mike’s contributed to our community and the faith you’ve shown us by deciding to expand your operations by incorporating Lost Pizza Co. We’re thrilled about it all,” Johnson said.
According to their web site Lost Pizza Co. currently operates 25 locations, with four additional locations -which include Andalusia which will open soon. Lost Pizza Co. was established by two college classmates Brooks Roberts and Preston Lott in the year 2007.
The council ratified the liquor license with a vote of 3-1-1 which included councilwoman Hazel Griffin voting against and Councilman Terry Powell abstaining.
Other topics discussed at the council meeting include:
- The council has voted to approve the transfer of the industrial park’s property for the Industrial Development Board for the intention of building a spec building. The city will be granted the benefit of a $2.5 million loan that is no-interest from PowerSouth to aid in designing the facility that will not need to be paid back until the building has been occupied. Mayor Johnson stated that there is already some curiosity about the building when it is built.
- Approving 10 abatements for nuisance properties including 621 McClendon Avenue. 414 Dunson St., 201 Dixon St., 112 Johnson St., 400 Sims St., 215 Courtney St., 425 College St., 1209 Youpon Dr. 757 S. Three Notch, and 1411 Lindsey Bridge Rd.
- discussing FY24 budget. The council met for an open session on budget prior to the meeting on Tuesday. The council did not take any action regarding the budget at its regular meetings.
A council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September. 19 and will begin with a workshop at 5:45 p.m. followed by the usual meeting beginning with a 6 p.m. at city hall.
The article Lost Pizza Co. is preparing for a possible opening date was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
