Antonio's Pizza Ready for Avon Opening

Avon's getting a new pizza option starting this week.

will open its with a soft opening on Monday. A soft opening, which is expected last through the week, will feature limited menu offerings, said Fred LoSchiavo, co-owner of the Antonio's restaurants business.

The last few days have been long ones for the Avon staff, LoSchiavo said, as they finish a final deep-cleaning after the construction work, check the equipment and start bringing in the food. LoSchiavo estimates he's been working from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. recently

Manager Ted Karter said he's been at the Westlake restaurant and customers have been asking for the last few months when the Avon location was opening.

"They can't wait for us to get in here," he said.

Avon is part of the 44-year-old business' expansion outside of Cuyahoga County. LoSchiavo said many of the more enthusiastic customers in the far suburbs are people who grew up going to its Parma location.

"When we opened in Medina, it was like a reunion," he said.

The west side customers tend to favor Antonio's deep-dish original pizza over the thin crust, LoSchiavo said.

There are four tables in the 2,000 square-foot restaurant. Business will primarily be pick-up and delivery, LoSchiavo said. But pizza will also be sold by the slice and, in the summer, he hopes to set up some tables outside the restaurant for al fresco eating.

Antonio's is still hiring managers, kitchen help and cooks for the Avon location. You can apply online at the Antonio's website.

Antonio's is one of several new tenants at City Centre in the last 10 months. opened in June, followed by Pat's Cleaners, and .