North Beach's Viva Pizza To Close After 28 Years; Seafood Restaurant Moving In

North Beach's Viva Pizza To Close After 28 Years; Seafood Restaurant Moving InPhotos: Nathan Falstreau/Hoodline
Nathan Falstreau
Published on July 27, 2016

There are more changes afoot in North Beach, with 28-year-old Viva Pizza Restaurant poised to close in the coming months, possibly reopening next door. Public records indicate that an ABC application has been filed for the space at 318 Columbus Ave., with a new eatery called Betty Lou's Seafood & Grill set to take over. 

A Viva employee (who did not wish to give his name) confirmed the change to us: "Yes, there will be a change of hands. It will be a seafood place." As for why there will be a transition, he said vaguely, "Life goes on, people are getting older. The owner may retire or do something else."

He went on to say that Viva owner Pete Kalogerias will transfer his ABC license next door, to Greek eatery Estia (1224 Grant Ave.) "The Italian food is moving over there," he said. "It may stay Viva, but I'm not sure."

According to the ABC application, the new proprietor of the Viva space is Gladys Louise Taylor, who incorporated just three months ago under the name Surf And Turf LLC. While there are several other corporations throughout the country with the same name, they don't appear to be connected. We've tried to contact both Kalogerias and Taylor, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Viva Pizza is known for its full pasta and pizza menu and is popular with both tourists and locals alike. If you're looking for a heaping bowl of pasta or a plate of chicken parmesan, head over soon—the employee told us that the restaurant will close as soon as the new ownership and ABC applications are approved. 

We'll keep you apprised of any new developments as we learn more. 

Thanks to tipster John for the heads up.