Published: September 23, 2009 02:42 pm      

Wick’s Pizza to open Oct. 7 in New Albany

Downtown site marks first So. Indiana location

Just in time for Harvest Homecoming, Wick’s Pizza and Pub will open Oct. 7 in downtown New Albany.

It will mark the fifth Wick’s location and the first in Southern Indiana, as the other four locations are in Louisville. The New Albany restaurant will be located at 225 State St., the site of the former Speakeasy bar and jazz club.

Michael Wickliffe, owner of Wick’s, expects the pizzeria and bar to be approved for a historic district liquor permit Oct. 6.

“I shouldn’t have any problems,” Wickliffe said of receiving a permit. If approved, he will be given a letter of intent to fax to liquor providers enabling Wick’s to be fully stocked for opening night.

Wick’s is noted for its pizza, live music and bar scene at its Louisville sites at Baxter Avenue, Dixie, Goose Creek and Middletown. The company began in 1991.

Wickliffe anticipates a successful stint in New Albany. There’s enough customers in Southern Indiana to pack downtown if there are credible venues, he said.

To Wickliffe, the chore will be keeping those customers on the Indiana side of the Ohio River instead of losing business to Louisville. But with the amount of restaurants opening downtown, Wickliffe believes the momentum is strong and Wick’s will be a hit.

“The whole city has embraced us, and I really appreciate that,” Wickliffe said.

He credited his landlord and Mayor Doug England for their help ensuring the restaurant would open.

“They’ve really done a great job.”

Wickliffe had the building refurbished and prides the reuse of existing materials in creating the style he was looking to achieve.

“I’m trying to keep this building as original as I can — reuse all the original stuff,” he said.

That will include a bar top with restored wood from the bar and some innovative uses of the original windows that will reflect light inside the restaurant.

“The building is gorgeous,” Wickliffe said.

Wick’s is still accepting applications in preparations to fill its staff before opening, which will be the same night booths will be set up for Harvest Homecoming.

England stated in an e-mail he’s been anxiously awaiting Wick’s to open.

“I have personally enjoyed dining at Wick’s with friends in Louisville. It’s an institution across the [Ohio] River and now it will be part of New Albany’s downtown community.”