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Popular Boystown favorite will not renew lease

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Chicago, IL — Pie Hole Pizza owner Doug Brandt confirms to ChicagoPride.com that the popular Boystown pizzeria will close at the end of May, 2010.  Pie Hole has been a fixture in Chicago's LGBT neighborhood for years and remains a popular late night destination.

According to Brandt, the restaurant's lease ends on May 31, 2010 and the lease agreement offered no option for Pie Hole to renew at it's current location, 739 W Roscoe in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. 

"It was known from Day One that there was a possibility of losing our lease," explained Brandt. "I've been running the business with options in mind."

Cocktail, located adjacent to Pie Hole in the same building, will renew their lease with calls for expanding into the space vacated by Pie Hole.  Brandt was clear that Cocktail will not be taking over the business nor assume the Pie Hole name despite rumors to the contrary.

"We love Cocktail and the staff there," said Brandt. "Frankly, we've outgrown our space. I can't say I wouldn't have renewed the lease, but I'm definitely excited about the opportunity to relocate and design a space that makes more logistical sense."

Brandt tells ChicagoPride.com that he is weighing his options. Conservative financials and hefty momentum give Pie Hole an edge in a floundering economy, but a new location will have to be the right fit. "We've developed a brand with vibe and culture," said Brandt. "We won't just frantically plop down into the first option that comes along. We can't do that."

While Brandt searches for a new home for Pie Hole, lots of exciting things are planned for the seasonally slow months including loyalty programs, gift cards, online ordering, expanded menu options, nightly events and online social networking. Follow "PieHolePizza" on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

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