Grimaldi’s to open its first Manhattan pizzeria

New York City Brooklyn pizzeria Grimaldi’s said Monday it is crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and bringing its concept to Manhattan.

The new restaurant will be located at the Rockrose Development Corp.-owned 135 John Street.

“This location makes perfect sense as our next business move,” said Grimaldi’s CEO Joseph Ciolli. “People are always coming in from Manhattan, so it seemed natural to open up a new restaurant just over the bridge from our original Brooklyn location.”

Demolition was complete at 135 John Street in May, construction is expected to start in late August, and the restaurant is slated to open by the end of the year. Grimaldi’s has leased the entire 5,500-sq.-ft. building from Rockrose with a 15-year term and a five-year option.

The deal was brokered by Winick Realty Group.

Currently with locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Hoboken and throughout the Southwest, the Manhattan restaurant will be the 16th Grimaldi’s to open nationwide.