For years — as locally owned businesses have left Main Street — Westporters have said, “At least we’ve still got the pizzeria.”
How much longer, though, is uncertain.
Mel Mioli
Owner Mel Mioli confirmed this afternoon that Westport Pizzeria — a downtown fixture for 43 years — may not be there much longer.
He’s negotiating a new lease. If the terms don’t work out, he won’t renew.
The good news: He’s got a new place lined up.
Westport Pizzeria would take over the space that will be vacated when Joe’s Pizza — just around the corner on the Post Road, opposite the old post office — leaves.
Joe’s is moving too — coincidentally to Main Street. The new location will be the small building that houses Sally’s Place.
As for Westport Pizzeria: There are “a couple of months of negotiations left,” Mel says.
“We’d like to stay here. We’re used to it. But we’ll see what happens. We’ve got time.”
Mel does not seem worried. “If we have to move, we’ll be happy,” the popular owner says. “And we’ll make the new place very nice.”
