'More than just a pizza parlor'

ALTON -- A rigmarole with the city behind them, the new owners of what will become Nicky G's Italian Eats say they are prepared for the big job of remodeling the 1,100-square-foot building.

Dee and Steve Gehrs of Godfrey, owners of the building at 1801 State St., faced a negative reaction from the Alton Plan Commission in October. Citing concerns over smell, property values and noise, the commission recommended the city council deny a special permit for the restaurant. Without the permit, the Gehrs' plans would have to be scrapped.

But in December, after city council overturned the negative recommendation, the commission changed course and recommended the city issue the permit to allow the restaurant to be established in the zoning district.

Now that the city has given them the go-ahead, the new owners plan to begin remodeling immediately, but the project won't be done until early fall, Dee Gehrs said.

"It's going to take us some time to get that building ready," Gehrs said.

The building needs a nearly complete overhaul. The basement takes on water and needs waterproofing. The building needs new plumbing and heating. The Gehrs also plan to build new walls inside, and possibly extend the kitchen area by about four feet.

But as of this week, the inside is cleared out and ready for work to begin. The final product will be a 20-seat restaurant. The Gehrs have said they will invest $50,000 in the remodel.

One notable characteristic of the building will remain, however -- its signature red paint. Dee said the red paint has been a feature of building since its life as a lawn mower repair shop.

Nicky G's, named for the Gehrs' son, will offer up not just pizza, but a variety of Italian food in a "fast casual" format. Specialty pizzas, entrees, sandwiches and fresh salads will be available at fast food speeds, but at a higher quality.

"It's definitely going to be more than a pizza parlor," Dee said.

Gehr thinks there is an ample market in Alton for that type of restaurant. West Elementary is just down the street, and plans are in the works for the former Ursuline Convent on Danforth Street to be converted into a senior living community. State Street see 6,500 cars per day, according to the city.

"I think our area is super hungry for new things," Dee said. "And we want to listen to the neighborhood. If people like one thing, we'll be reactive to that, and keep the prices affordable. But everything is going to be homemade, good quality."

The recipes come from the Gehrs' former catering service, which she operated for six years. She eventually tired of the limited face-time -- just a few employees, a quick drop-off -- and thirsted for more customer interaction.

The Gehrs also hope to give kids in the area a chance to work. The restaurant is in the vicinity of the public housing complex Alton Acres.

"Another thing I dream about is giving neighborhood kids a chance to work for me, to mentor to youth in the area. We're in a very diverse area, economically and racially," said Dee, who is involved with the community organization Churches on the Street.

Reporter Kelsey Landis can be reached at 618-208-6460, Ext. 1396 or on Twitter @kelseylandis.

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