Two new businesses plan to open their doors in an area on campus that has already seen many changes over the past year.
- Paul Wong
- Famous Familia, an Italian eatery, plans to open at 342 State Street in the space vacated by Domino”s Pizza.<br><br>MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily
Famous Familia, an Italian eatery, and General Nutrition Centers, the Pittsburgh-based national health products chain, hope to open for business in the next month.
Famous Familia plans to move into the former location of Domino”s Pizza at 342 State Street, and GNC will fill the vacant space at 613 William Street , right around the corner.
“It”s a great city for business,” said Mauricio Grillo, a manager at New York Pizza Depot on William Street, which, like Famous Familia, specializes in Italian food.
Grillo said he is not concerned with the potential competition, saying he knows the quality of his own food.
He also said he expects the new developments to attract other businesses, offices and apartments into the area.
The two are only the latest in a series of changing store fronts in the State Street vicinity.
The restaurant Cosi opened on State Street as Maize and Brew closed shop right next door earlier this spring.
In addition, the Downtown Development Authority recently reviewed State Street and plans to change the streetscape by turning it into a two-way road and reconfiguring the sidewalks, said Mayor Pro Tem Jean Carlberg (D-Ward III) who also serves on the City Planning Commission.