Construction has begun for a new pizzeria on Grand River Avenue, taking over the previous Collegeville Textbook Co. site which shut down during the pandemic.
Located at 321 E. Grand River Ave., Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce will feature two stories of dining, a bar and two 60-feet bocce courts.
The restaurant was approved by the East Lansing City Council on June 11 and hopes to open in early 2023.
Demolition of the previous storefront can currently be seen from Grand River Avenue.
New construction to the site will include the addition of a steel structure supporting the second floor, new interior partitions, architectural features and finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing modifications, new food service equipment, the addition of fire suppression system and the addition of a rear exit stair enclosure, according to plans from architecture firm Ron & Roman Inc., who are working on the project.
In the plans presented to City Council, the restaurant applied for an entertainment and dance and liquor license. They plan to be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Approval was granted under conditions that no one under 21 would be allowed into the restaurant without a guardian after 11 p.m. and the capacity be set at 290 persons, with seating limited to 250 diners.
Prior to approval, there were concerns from City Center Condominiums, located at 220 M.A.C. Ave., that an open second floor with loud music would cause disturbances to older residents they are attempting to market towards.
However, the Planning Commission added the condition that “the restaurant shall comply with all City of East Lansing noise ordinances.” There were 27 conditions in total.
Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce is owned by Pete Coratti, which has its original location in Howell. Coratti currently owns and operates three restaurants in Michigan. The East Lansing location is expected to follow a similar layout to the Howell restaurant.
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