The slices are large and wide, the smoky crust is thin and crispy, and there is a debate about whether it is best to fold – or not to fold – New York-style pizza.

Grimaldislogo Huntsville restaurateur Power Brands Hospitality Group was awarded a domestic, multi-unit franchisee agreement to open a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in the Valley Bend Shopping Center in Jones Valley. They are planning to open near the end of the year.

Located in the former location of Mezza Luna, Grimaldi’s features a hand-crafted, coal-fired, brick-oven pizza. The restaurant will also serve up calzones, antipasto, salads and house-made desserts, including its legendary cheesecakes.

Family-friendly, casual yet upscale, Grimaldi’s atmosphere includes a full bar with specialty cocktails, craft beers, and a wine list including its own signature “Mille Gradi” Rosso Toscano Sangiovese Red and Pinot Grigio, specially produced in Tuscany, Italy.

“Grimaldi’s is one of the world’s most iconic New York-style pizzeria’s and we are thrilled about bringing the accomplished brand to Huntsville – and to Birmingham in the near future,” said Kumar Patel, managing partner at PBHG. “Grimaldi’s focus on providing guests with a superior dining experience, fits seamlessly within our existing portfolio of restaurants.

Traditional Oven 2 “We are excited that we reached this important milestone with all of our partners, employees, and stakeholders.”

PBHG has also been awarded a Grimaldi’s franchise in Birmingham. It will open soon after Huntsville.

The company’s restaurant portfolio in Huntsville and Madison includes Cinnabon, Melt, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nothing But Noodles, Phil Sandoval’s, Schlotzsky’s, and Urban Cookhouse.

Within the past week, Power Brand broke ground on a Five Guys and Super Chix at Town Madison; as well as a unique rooftop gastropub and grill called Prohibition.

Started in Brooklyn more than 100 years ago, Grimaldi’s coal-fired brick oven uses intense heat to evenly bake the pizza and create the famous crispy thin crust. The result is an authentic taste that cannot be achieved with gas, convection, or wood burning ovens.

“Grimaldi’s is well known as a top-quality pizza brand with more than 100 years of pizza-making history, and Power Brands Hospitality Group is the perfect franchisee to bring our New York-style pizza to Alabama,” said Grimaldi’s Pizzeria CEO Joseph Ciolli. “Our long-standing reputation for quality food and superior guest experience makes our concept a perfect fit with Power Brands Hospitality Group’s experience, knowledge, and success in developing a national brand in their core markets.

“Together, we’re looking forward to creating life-long Grimaldi’s fans.”