GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A blast from the past is opening back up in downtown but with a new twist, and a new name.  

Local entrepreneurs, Levi Dake and business partner, Eric Jurado, plan to fire up the ovens of the old Sylvio’s Pizzeria in February. The name Sylvio’s will bring back many memories for locals, but Sylvio’s won’t be coming back. Instead, Dake and Jurado want to build on the sentimentality of the location and create something very special in its place: Our Town Pizzeria. And he needs your help!

“For me this is all about our town. I want this to be about us and for us,” says Dake. Jurado echoes his sentiments. That is why they are asking the people of Gridley to help them build a Pizzeria that truly reflects its community. Dake is actively collecting pictures and plans to wallpaper the restaurant with images of Gridley and its people, painting the history and “soul” of our town on the walls of the restaurant for all patrons to see. Young, old, or just new to town, he wants everyone to feel like they are a part of Our Town Pizza.

Dake grew up in Gridley with his 6 brothers and now raises his family of 4 alongside his wife, Jamie, here in town. He currently runs Dake Bro’s Heating and Air but has branched out into the restaurant biz with Jurado because he wanted to bring something back to his hometown. Both Dake and Jurado have expressed deep concern over what Gridley is now and has been steadily losing over the years - nostalgic mom-n-pop shops, family friendly activities and safe, wholesome places for youth to congregate. They truly hope that Our Town Pizzeria will be a step forward towards building back the Gridley downtown of 25+ years ago.

It looks as if the doors to Our Town Pizzeria plans to open in early February, but a firm open date has not yet been set. Since this is their first restaurant opening, he says they may choose to do a soft opening instead of a grand opening. He is currently meeting with vendors and working to get the previously vacant building open-ready. It’s all coming together quickly and smoothly says Dake, “That's how you know it’s right.”

Gridley is beyond excited to have a new restaurant coming in, especially in Downtown. Stay tuned for more information and if you would like to contribute pictures to Our Town Pizzeria, please post to Dake’s Facebook page or email them to [email protected].