East of Chicago Pizza will make its way to Georgia later this month with a new location in the Pencil Factory Lofts (349 Decatur Street). The Ohio-based franchise will offer six varieties of pizza crust, in addition to salads, subs, wings, and desserts. Look for the “Authentic Chicago Style”—a seasoned crust filled with blended cheese, as well as the Loaded Crust stuffed with pepperoni. Thin and crispy crust are available for those who aren’t fans of deep dish. “I was looking for a good franchise, flew up to Ohio to test the product, and loved it,” local owner Mike Santos says. “I want to open at least three in the next couple of years.”
The restaurant will offer takeout and delivery, as well as dine in, and stay open until 2 a.m. on the weekends. Santos is considering a pizza-and-salad brunch buffet as well. There will be a full bar with a take on a Bloody Mary called the Marinara, a spin on a Long Island Iced Tea called Saucin’, and a “skinny” house drink called the Thin Crust. Beer and wine will also be available. Formerly Caramba Café, the 2,300-square-foot space will seat about 80 diners. Santos describes the space as having an “up North type feel” with brick columns, stained concrete floors, and a Chicago cityscape mural on the wall.