The West end of Hillsborough Street has had it’s ups and downs over the years as well as relative to the seasons. If NC State is in session, the street seems to be constantly busy, which the commercial spaces thrive from. On the off season, the obvious opposite effect occurs, tumbleweeds.
Just in time for the beginning of the Fall 2007 Semester, an old name has reopened its doors across from the University with a new face. After being a local staple for a while, That’s Amore Pizza ( MAP ) closed last year for what it thought was going to be minor changes. While closed, these minor changes ushered in a large scale renovation of the space.
The owner hired a couple of local artists to reconsider the interior of the space. Artist Adam Peele and cabinet maker Duncan Miller revamped the interior to be a bit more modern and full of art, per the owner’s requests. A new pizza counter made of varying wood species greets you as you walk in the front door. In the distance another wood bar is evident, foreshadowing the full bar that will be in the space in the near future. New contemporary furniture is dotted around the space, with Peele prints on the walls above all tables. A new black box printed with the new Amore logo encases a large fish tank that spans between the pizza counter and the seating area. A couple of walls have been replaced and the ceiling grid and mechanical equipment have been painted black. Today was their grand re-opening and Free Slice coupons litter the adjoining businesses. The staff are very friendly and even the bathrooms have been printed (I hear the women’s bathroom is nice, but didn’t peak my head in at lunch). The future looks bright for the space as well, considering the addition downstairs of a full bar and upstairs more dining room. The slices of pizza are tasty and huge, so grab one next time you are near campus.
Amore’s Pizza and Lounge
2526 Suite 106 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-832-6671
For more info or contact the designers see the websites below:
Welcome to New Raleigh. We welcome your participation in the ongoing discussion. If you are new we invite you to register with our site. With registration you can upload a picture, message other users, and comment more easily. If you want to keep up with the site, subscribe to our RSS feed or get emailed every time we post.