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A new pizzeria coming to downtown Andalusia is getting closer to opening with the Andalusia City Council approving a retail liquor license during a meeting on Tuesday.

Lost Pizza Co. will be opening in the first floor of the newly renovated Prestwood Building on the downtown square. Patrick Kirkland, a co-owner of Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Andalusia which will also operate Lost Pizza Co., was at the council meeting and stated the restaurant would open in October, possibly as early as Oct. 3.

“I want to thank you all for believing in us. We believe in Andalusia and we want to keep growing with the area. We noticed the work going on behind us (Heritage Park) and we’re very excited about that and all the things going on in the community. We appreciate the support we have received since 2016 [when Big Mike’s opened],” Kirkland said.

Kirkland added that new employees will begin training within the coming days in preparing for the official opening. The restaurant expects to hire 40 to 45 employees and will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Delivery will be available through contract deliverers, such as DoorDash.

Mayor Earl Johnson said Big Mike’s has been a great community partner and that he looks forward to expanding the relationship with the opening of the new restaurant.

“We appreciate what Big Mike’s has done for our community and the trust you have shown in us by choosing to expand your operation to include Lost Pizza Co. We’re all very excited about it,” Johnson said.

According to the website, Lost Pizza Co. currently has 25 locations with four others — including Andalusia — opening soon. Lost Pizza Co. was founded by college roommates Brooks Roberts and Preston Lott in 2007.

The council approved the liquor license by a 3-1-1 vote with Councilwoman Hazel Griffin voting against and Councilman Terry Powell abstaining.

Other items discussed during the council meeting including:

• approving the transfer of industrial park property to the Industrial Development Board for the purpose of constructing a spec building. The city will receive a $2.5 million no-interest loan from PowerSouth to assist in the construction of the building, which will not have to be repaid until the building is occupied. Mayor Johnson indicated there is already some interest in the building once constructed.
• approving 10 abatements for nuisance properties: 621 McClendon Ave., 414 Dunson St., 201 Dixon St., 112 Johnson St., 400 Sims St., 215 Courtney St., 425 College St., 1209 Youpon Dr., 757 S. Three Notch, and 1411 Lindsey Bridge Rd.
• discussing FY24 budget. The council held a budget work session prior to Tuesday’s meeting. No action was taken on the budget during the regular meeting.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting starting at 6 p.m. at city hall.