Just when we couldn’t believe our good luck at Homegrown’s recent opening, the Mercer Island restaurant scene is going to get even better.

Another native Island duo – Matt Galvin and Pat McDonald – are in the planning phase of bringing the 25th location of their co-owned establishment Pagliacci Pizza to the island within a year.

“We’re really excited about making it happen,” Galvin said. “It’s a homecoming of sorts.”

Galvin and his team have completed the pre-application phase of the City’s plan review process and are proceeding into the design and permitting phases. They have also confirmed the building location.
The pizza parlor will be a new freestanding restaurant built on the SE corner of the RiteAid parking lot, located at the corner of SE 78th Ave and SE 32nd St.

The building will be a “mid-century modern” low-profile design with brick accent walls and lots of glass for allowing in natural light. Galvin said it will be a very attractive design.

“If we do our jobs right, I think it will be a nice addition to the Town Center,” he said.

While Mercer Island is already home to at least six other pizza establishments, Pagliacci Pizza will be unique in its “Slice Bar” concept, where gourmet pizzas will be on display and customers can order pizza by the slice. It will also offer a casual dining room and pizza delivery service.

If you’re skeptical about whether the Island needs one more pizza place, consider that Pagliacci Pizza – consistently voted “Best Pizza” in Seattle – will bring 35 years of history and experience in preparing a perfect pie. (The kids’ birthday pizza-dough tossing parties sound pretty great too.)

While there are still planning and permitting hoops to jump through, Galvin is positive about the future Pagliacci’s opening on Mercer Island.

“I’m feeling optimistic, for sure,” he said.

Pagliacci Pizza restaurant hours will (eventually) be 11 am to 11 pm daily.  Stay tuned for more details about the future opening.  

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Learn more about Pagliacci Pizza by visiting their website at: www.pagliacci.com