New restaurant lined up for iconic Mr. K's space in South End

The iconic home of Mr. K's will become a family-owned-and-operated pizza restaurant. The Crust Pizza out of Naples, Florida, has snagged the 1,300- square-foot space — out of more than 50 interested parties. The restaurant's lease was listed for sale for $260,000. It is located at 2107 South Blvd., across from Atherton Mill.

"We put the offer in and it happened to be the best of them all. They gave it to us. We're very happy," says George Kanellopoulos.

He and wife Laura launched The Crust in Naples seven years ago. The family — originally from Ohio — couldn't find pizza that it liked after moving to that community and decided to create their own version. Before long, friends and neighbors were suggesting the family open a restaurant.

Their first 1,600-square-foot pizzeria did $2 million in sales during its first year of operations; it is temporarily closed because of Covid. A second, 7,000- square-foot restaurant remains busy. Sales topped $3 million in 2020.

"It's not only the pizza, but the environment we build for our customers," he says.

Now the family — including their children Callista, Anni and Alek — hope to make a splash in the Queen City. They've been looking for a space in Charlotte since moving here about three years ago. The pandemic slowed those efforts.

"We feel comfortable we'll do very well here in Charlotte," George says. "They are a major part of our success. They will continue to be. We're family-owned- and-operated."

He says the goal is to build on the beautiful history that Mr. K's had — just via another family and concept.

"I know people will be disappointed to some degree, but we absolutely love Charlotte and hopefully we'll be here for decades to come," George says.

The South End location will need to go through zoning to determine the size and scope of the restaurant. It could possibly be expanded to accommodate dine-in. Carryout will play a major role in business.

No timetable is available for when it could open.

A 6,000-square-foot SouthPark location is also in the pipeline, George says. "That one will be much bigger than this one here," he says.

Expect The Crust to deliver Midwest-style pizza, which offers a crispy bottom, fluffy— bubbly — middle and soft top. Squares are loaded with ingredients and toppings. For example, a 16-inch pizza will be topped with 100 pepperoni. Customers can customize pizzas to their liking. "We think you should have a taste of all ingredients in one bite," George says.

It also offers salads and subs toasted in the oven. Dough and salad dressings are made in house with beer and wine on tap.

"Freshness and great quality ingredients is of paramount importance to us."

National Restaurant Properties represented the landlord. John Hadley with The Nichols Co. represented The Crust Pizza in the transaction.