Original Grimaldi's Owner Returns to Launch Pizza War

Last week, when news broke that Dumbo icon Grimaldi's would relocate next door following a dispute with its landlord, the landlord revealed a pizza world legend would take over the original space, complete with its rare and grandfathered-in coal burning oven. And he wasn't exaggerating. Turns out Grimaldi's original founder Patsy Grimaldi, who sold the business to the current owner Frank Ciolli back in 1998, is reclaiming what was once his. There, in the old Grimaldi's space, he will finally open Juliana, a pizzeria he originally planned to open on the Bowery last year. It's scheduled to open in March.

Grimaldi explains, "A year after I sold Grimaldi’s, I was very sorry. So when Mr. Waxman called me and asked if I wanted to come back, I thought I was dreaming. I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough." He thinks there is enough business in Dumbo to support both pizzerias.

To read more about the history of Grimaldi's and the lineage of Patsy Grimaldi (who is related to original owners of Patsy's in Harlem) check out Slice's timeline.
· Patsy Grimaldi coming out of retirement to open new pizzeria at soon-to-be vacant eponymous storefront [NYP]
· Pie are squared! Patsy Grimaldi to regain DUMBO throne — and coal oven! [BP]
· After Landlord Dispute, Grimaldi's Will Move Next Door [~ENY~]
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