Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria to Open in Brookline [Update]

Famous New Haven pizza

Update, September 18: Frank Pepe fans are going to have to wait just a little bit longer for that famous white clam pizza. The Fireplace’s Jim Solomon has apparently backed out of a deal to transfer his restaurant’s lease and  liquor license to the Connecticut institution. Via a newsletter, Solomon says:

“Ever since deciding to close the restaurant I have been overwhelmed with requests (some very emotional!) to remain open. So many loyal supporters have asked me to stay, to cater for them, to drop by their houses with lobster rolls, and even to sell our homemade potato bread through a local bakery. I love serving the community in which I live and have decided to keep running my restaurant.”

Stay tuned for any updates.

Previously: Chef Jim Solomon announced today that his restaurant, The Fireplace, will close at the end of the year. In its place will be the much-anticipated Boston branch of Frank Pizzeria Napoletana. Back in March, a Craigslist ad was posted by the New Haven institution, looking for management to head up multiple locations of its famous brick oven pizza chain. Now we know the first location will be in Brookline’s Washington Square at 1634 Beacon Street.

Solomon will be transferring the restaurant’s lease and liquor license to Pepe’s Pizzeria, as The Fireplace will transition into a full-time catering company.

“It has been 13 great years and the support from this community has been outstanding, as has been the loyalty and dedication of our staff,” said Solomon via a press release. “Our catering business has been growing steadily and it gives us the ability to take the best we have to offer at our restaurant and bring that to diverse audiences across the region.”

Customers will have until December 31st to dine at The Fireplace.