RFP Staff
♦ A new pizzeria called “Romo’s” is opening in the short-lived Chick-N-Ale slot at 115-117 East Innes in Downtown Salisbury. The new pizzeria will occupy the former 2400 sq. foot space where Uncle Bucks and Chick-N-Ale were once opened for business. It will feature pizza, Italian food, a dining area, and a bar.
Praised for its Southern style recipes and beer, Chick-N-Ale opened in September 2014 and abruptly closed its doors on a Tuesday in December with a cardboard “closed” sign taped to its front door. Sources close to the owner said not enough customers came through the doors nor was there room for a drive-through. Chick-N-Ale might’ve been among the fastest restaurant closings in Downtown Salisbury history.
An area realtor offered the theory that if you open a successful restaurant in Downtown Salisbury another restaurant will close because not enough potential customers exist to go around. The restaurant business in Salisbury is highly competitive and is based on restaurant Darwinism. Your restaurant needs to be accessible, have parking, be on the right block, stand out or otherwise shuttering will come fast. Many vacant ex-restaurants to attest to this common sense observation.
Salisbury is awash with many pizzerias and the Salty Caper is parked nearby on South Lee Street near Brick Street. Other Downtown restaurants serving pizza are Capriano’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s. Elsewhere Romano’s and Il Colosseo sell tasty pizza. So best of luck to the new pizza joint.
