A Detroit-Style Pizzeria Takes Over a Once-Popular Decatur Pizza Spot This Fall

A popular Decatur pizzeria that closed earlier this spring is being replaced by another pizzeria serving Detroit-style pizza and wings, according to Steve Josovitz of the Shumacher Group, who brokered the deal.

Comet Pub and Lanes partner Ben Horgan plans to open Corner Slice this September in the former Avellino’s space on West College Avenue. The longtime Decatur pizzeria, owned by Luigi Rienzo, closed in April after 14 years there. Rienzo said he was “spreading himself too thin” and needed to focus on the Avellino’s in Brookhaven and his other real estate investments.

“Avellino’s went under contract within one day of listing with dozens of back up offers and interested parties banging down our doors,” Josovitz says in the sales post. “Safe to say this was a ‘hot’ listing.”

Horgan started out in the pizza business 20 years ago making pies at beloved Atlanta institution Everybody’s Pizza. The pizzeria closed in Virginia-Highland in 2010, followed by the closure of the Decatur location three years later after 40 years in business at Emory Village. Horgan went on to become the head chef, and then general manager, at Twain’s Brewpub and Billiards in Decatur, before partnering in bowling alley Comet Pub and Lanes on Church Street.

Horgan says he was looking for a small, laid-back space with outdoor seating to open his new pizzeria, which will serve Detroit-style pan pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and wings.

“It’s a great location! We’ve been looking for a location for a while and when we saw this location become available, we jumped,” Horgan tells Eater. “After working at such large establishments, I’m excited to be in a smaller spot. Plus, we love Revolution Doughnuts, so our kids are really excited about where I’ll be working.”

Joining Corner Slice later this year at the other end of the West College retail complex is a restaurant from El Tesoro owners Alan Raines and Sam Eaves. The yet-named restaurant takes over the former Lawrence’s Cafe space, serving foods from chef Hugo Suastegui’s family and hometown of Acapulco, paired with mezcal drinks from the region.

902 West College Avenue, Decatur.