CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Claude Ayoub says University Avenue in Charlottetown has always been a good place to be for Dino’s Pizza.
But after occupying its current spot at 411 on the avenue since 2007, the restaurant has bought the former Pizza Pizza building down the street.
Ayoub, owner of Dino’s Pizza, said he is hoping to relocate in the next couple of months once renovations are finished.
Ayoub said the rent is too high at his current spot and it is expensive to heat. As well, it can be difficult for drivers trying to leave or enter the business, especially as vehicles are also trying to access neighbouring business at the same time.
“That traffic, when it backs up, it’s hard to get through. You’ve got a lot of blind spots. There’s been a few accidents over the years,” he said.
The new location at 364 University Ave. has been unoccupied since Pizza Pizza closed in the summer of 2019.
“At least, now, I don’t mind paying for the renos that have to be done. At the end of the day, I’m owning it. So, all the money is going to be kept inside,” he said. Also, the new location will be closer to schools so students will have more time to spend their lunch time at the business. It also has more options, such as Summer and Eden streets, so customers and staff can access the building (in addition to University Avenue).
“There’s plenty of ways to get in and out. So, it’s going to be a lot safer going through traffic. And, exposure. It’s a newer looking building,” he said.
Ayoub is narrowing down a colour for the building’s exterior that will work with the business’s logo. He already knows which colour the building won’t be.
“Not orange,” he said with a laugh.
