Last fall, pizzaman Joe Beddia was hoping to bring a new pizza place to the corner of 4th and Poplar in Northern Liberties, replacing the shuttered Almanac Market. But the neighbors said “no thanks,” and Beddia’s plan was shot down. Instead, Cafe Chismosa, a Latin-type cafe took over the space, opening in March. While we’ve been there a couple of times and think it’s a pretty solid spot, we’re not convinced that the neighborhood necessarily needed yet another coffee spot. But we digress.

Now Cafe Chismosa

In the meantime, Beddia, formerly of Zavino, has been biding his time, waiting to discover the perfect retail location to contain his pizza establishment. And according to Michael Klein, it appears that he has indeed found that spot at 115 E. Girard Ave., formerly Asa’s Deli.

Future pizza place

We’re guessing that this place will be a sit-down location and not just a grab-a-slice-and-go kind of operation. Considering the number of existing restaurants in the area and several others on the horizon (Fette Sau, we’re looking at you), East Girard really seems to be coming into its own as a dining district. With Ekta, Johnny Brenda’s, and Kraftwork just to name a few, neighbors and visitors alike have a number of choices, and the diversity only appears to be growing. And with a Palm Tree Market coming soon to the corner across from the future pizza place, the neighborhood is getting one more amenity.

Framing ongoing

With Pizza Brain opening on Frankford Ave. just weeks ago, the growth of gourmet pizza in Fishtown is truly impressive. Have we mentioned that we love pizza?