The highly-anticipated restaurant from O4W Pizza owner Anthony Spina finally has a name.
Nina + Rafi will mark the return of Spina's pizza to Old Fourth Ward after he closed Irwin Street Market spot across from Krog Street Market in mid-2016 in favor of a new location in Duluth .
Spina is joining forces with Atlanta restaurateur Billy Streck, owner of intown eateries Cypress Street Pint + Plate and Hampton + Hudson , on the venture, which will be located in mixed-use development Studioplex at 659 Auburn Ave. NE, just a few blocks from O4W's previous intown location.
Named for Spina and Streck's grandmothers, Nina + Rafi is set to open this summer and will feature a menu of top-selling pies from O4W Pizza and other Italian snacks, sandwiches, salads, and pasta including vegan and gluten-free options, alongside a beverage program with a full bar.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
The forthcoming restaurant’s design is a collaboration among Streck and his wife Jenn, Spina, and local Atlanta firm Smith Hanes Studio. It will face the Beltline’s Eastside trail and feature a bar, banquette seating, and an open kitchen.
Growing up in Red Bank, Anthony Spina learned to make Jersey-style pizza side-by-side with his uncle. He cooked in his home state for two decades before moving to Atlanta and opening O4W Pizza in January 2015. New York native Streck grew up hanging out in his grandfather’s and dad’s pizzeria.
The restaurant will join several other recently-announced food concepts at Studioplex, including Hawkers Asian Street Fare and Beetnix Juice Bar.
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