The new Planet Fitness near Stanton is set to host a "Grand Opening" ceremony Monday and members have until the end of January to join for $1 down and then $10 a month. Wochit
DCAD and NextFab makerspaces celebrate the launch of a partnership between the two entities that will enhance DCAD's programs of study. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Jim Henry, owner of The Dog Stop, a doggy daycare franchise that has opened it's second Delaware location in Middletown. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Linda McMahon, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, tours Delaware businesses in an effort to increase the visibility and awareness of the U.S. Small Business Administration and hear directly from the nation's small businesses. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Partner and COO David Hunt (left) and Managing Partner Anthony Wright started a new healthcare platform, Danio Diary, which aims to help loved ones and doctors stay connected and updated on the medical status of someone receiving care. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
In conjunction with the Delaware Small Business Development Center, a comprehensive and first-of-its-kind market analysis for the entire state focusing on Delaware’s “Main Streets” and downtown areas is in the works. Jerry Smith/The News Journal/WOCHIT
Hippo Thrift owner Alan Rash explains why the treasure hunt can be a powerful experience. Jerry Habraken / The News Journal
Kalyn Butt, owner of Green Grazer Goats, started an eco-friendly land-clearing business using goats. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Zack King and Marissa Cordell have been planning and working to open the easySpeak Distillery & Brewpub in Milford for a year now. Jason Minto/The News Journal/USA TODAY
Checkers, the popular fast food destination known for its burgers and fries, is opening two new locations as it plans on rapid Delaware expansion. Produced by Jeff Neiburg
Delaware's Jim Jannuzzio started a textbook concierge app last year called BookBandit. Over the last year, BookBandit's download totals have tripled and the business was selected by Google to participate in an invitation-only program. Wochit
Siemens' new East Coast Locomotive Service Headquarters, a 40,000-square-foot facility near New Castle that operates as the company’s digital service support, supply chain and technical field training hub in the region. Suchat Pederson/The News Journal
Gov. John Carney signed a bill amending the Coastal Zoning Act Wednesday at the former site of General Chemical Corp. in Claymont. Jerry Habraken/The News Journal
AstraZeneca separately reported an $8.5 billion collaboration agreement with Merck and disappointing test results for a potential lung cancer drug. Wochit
A former SevOne employee has sued the company, alleging it has tried to block his sale of stock that could be worth as much as $2 million. Wochit
Stanton Planet Fitness grand opening Monday
NextFab makerspaces partners with DCAD
Middletown gets new doggy day care
Administrator Linda McMahon visits Delaware
Mobile app helps loved ones and doctors stay connected
Delaware chambers hope to make state more small business friendly
Local thrift shop owner remembers his passion for the business
Using goats to clear land
New distillery brewpub soon to open in Milford
Checkers expanding in Delaware with more locations on the way
UD student's textbook app taking off
Siemens rolls into New Castle
Gov. John Carney amends the Coastal Zoning Act
AstraZeneca reaches $8.5B pact; drug fails in study
Ex-SevOne employee sues company over $2M stock sale
When MOD Pizza brought its fast casual pizza concept to the University of Delaware campus in the fall, the trend of build-it-yourself pizza had officially touched down in Delaware.
The Lebron James-backed Blaze Pizza is growing rapidly, but not yet in the First State.
Another growing brand, though, will soon hit the Christiana Fashion Center.
Coming in May or June, MidiCi, The Neapolitan Pizza Company, will open its doors near the Qdoba and Jersey Mike's sub shop on Fashion Center Blvd.
MidiCi, from the team that brought Menchie's Frozen Yogurt to the world, has been around since mid-2015, when it debuted in California. The concept has been expanding ever since.
“I believe there’s a demand that people aren’t aware of yet," said franchisee Joe Shott, whose Pencader Group LLC, based in Montgomeryville, Pa., is bringing MidiCi to life in Christiana and in Pennsylvania.
Similar to competitors MOD and Blaze, among others, MidiCi – Italian for "you tell me" – features counter service ordering that allows for guests to customize their pizza as it moves down the line toward the oven, or choose from a signature creation.
But where MidiCi departs from its competitors is its focus on dinner.
“We take it to the next level," Shott said. "We call it fast-fine dining."
It's billed, Shott says, as a perfect date night location. And while a license is not yet official in Christiana, MidiCi will offer beer, wine and a few cocktails with its food offerings, which include appetizers (think burrata cheese and meatballs), six different salads (in addition to the ability to customize) and desserts like the Signature Nutella Calzone.
"The restaurant is designed to be an environment that is upbeat and fun but brings you close together," Shott said. "What better way to bring people together than over great pizza?"
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Shott said the location is intriguing in part because of the easy road access away from the Christiana Mall.
The timeline, as of now, includes putting the final touches on building permits. The exterior is completed, but work needs to be done on the interior, including the design of the restaurant's "heart," which Shott says is a rounded space where the pizzas, salads and drinks will be created and served. The goal is to be open around Memorial Day.
STORY: New food hall opening in DuPont Building later this year
MidiCi, Shott said, imports all of its flour, tomatoes and meats from Italy. Nods to Naples include an olive tree inside the restaurant.
The Neapolitan pizza is cooked in wood-fired ovens and takes about 90 seconds.
Not in the mood to create your own? Specialty options include a truffle and prosciutto pizza, a shrimp scampi pizza and plenty others. View the full menu here.
Shott said he envisions hiring around 40 to 50 employees.
Contact reporter Jeff Neiburg at (302) 983-6772, jneiburg@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @Jeff_Neiburg.