Ramella’s Pizzeria reopened its doors yesterday after almost a year of being closed due to a dispute with the city over a fire safety concern.

The local pizza shop, located on W Erie Street, was dealing with a fire safety issue after the City of Kent pushed for a pick-up window to be installed in the building.

“(Mugs Brew Pub)—which isn’t in business anymore—was next to us, and we’d have people come over to order pizza,” said Mitchell Peterman, an owner of Ramella’s. “It was one of the issues the city had where if a fire broke out, people in our establishment could be in danger.”

According to Peterman, the city brought the pizzeria to court, forcing Ramella’s  to close in May 2015 during the dispute.

The city’s solution of a pick-up window was to minimize the threat of people crowding the restaurant if a fire suddenly broke out.

During the court hearings, Mugs closed its business. As a result, the judge saw no reason to require the window. 

After six months in court, Ramella’s management was free to open its doors, but decided to remain closed to renovate the building.

“We also are trying to expand our menu so that we can offer more options to the Kent community,” Peterman said. “Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, we have a variety of options.”

Peterman said the pizzeria is also unveiling a new vegan option. Online ordering will return next week.

Overall, Peterman said he is happy Ramella’s is back and hopes customers will be too.

Angelo Angel is a senior reporter  for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].