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Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza – Gainesville University Ave. Unveils a Dramatic Interior Transformation Ahead of Fresh Look Celebration

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March 17, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Hew
Director of Marketing
352-440-6979
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza – Gainesville University Ave. Unveils a Dramatic Interior Transformation Ahead of Fresh Look Celebration
 
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March, 2026) — Gainesville is about to get its first look inside the reborn Piesanos University Ave. location, with a fully reimagined dining space designed with premium materials, brighter energy, and an unmistakable Piesanos warmth. After a top-to-bottom interior refresh, the community-favorite restaurant at 1250 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 is officially celebrating on March 30th, bringing a bold new chapter to one of Piesanos’ earliest and most beloved restaurants. The celebration also coincides with a recent refresh of the adjoining hotel, creating a fully revitalized destination for guests.
 
A Bigger, Brighter Reveal, Built for the Gator Community
The remodel elevates every corner of the dining room, blending modern design with the neighborhood comfort guests expect. Details include: 
  • New booth seating with upgraded fabrics and walnut accents for a more polished look
  • Tarkett Event-Gatehouse LVT flooring, chosen for durability and warmth underfoot
  • A redesigned ceiling that opens sightlines and brightens the entire restaurant
  • Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal + Revere Pewter wall palette, giving the space a clean, modern contrast
  • White-washed stone features and refreshed wall panels for added texture and light bounce.
  • New chairs, walnut tables, and elevated lighting sourced from premium lighting partners.
 
The refreshed environment creates an inviting space for families, students, faculty, and gameday crowds to gather, unwind, and enjoy irresistible Italian favorites. 
 
A Modern Rebuild of a Gainesville Staple
 
After 12 years serving the Gainesville community since opening in 2009, Piesanos University Ave. has served as a cornerstone of Gainesville dining. With this remodel, Piesanos strengthens its commitment to quality, community, and continuous improvement. 
 
“Reinvesting back into our restaurants is reinvesting back into the communities we serve,” said co-founder Mike Akey. “Every upgrade we make strengthens the Piesanos experience and deepens our commitment to serving Gainesville with the hospitality, quality, and care our guests deserve.”
 
Teaser Moments, Community Energy, and Opening-Day Surprises
 
Piesanos has released behind-the-scenes construction moments, including sneak peeks of the new booths, lighting, and stonework. On celebration day, guests can expect:
  • A ceremonial pizza-cutting with local dignitaries
  • Ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce
  • Media interviews, and first looks at the transformed dining room
  • Free 8” Cheese Pizza for the first 25 guests
  • Raffle Entries before 5PM to win gift cards, free pizza for a year, and Piesanos branded merchandise.
 
Piesanos will also continue celebrating its heritage as the only Italian restaurant in Florida with nearly 20 years perfecting granite stone-fired pizza.
 
About Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza
Founded in Gainesville in 2009 by Mike Akey, Joel Mills, and Jerry Roberts, Piesanos has grown to 15 locations across Florida, serving up stone-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, and the signature complimentary rolls guests can’t stop talking about. Built on authentic Italian recipes, high-quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality, Piesanos delivers an experience that’s as welcoming as it is crave-worthy; where tradition, community, and flavor come together in every bite.
 
To stay connected with Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza, follow on Facebook at @Piesanos and Instagram at @piesanosstonefiredpizza.
Contact:
David Hew, Director of Marketing
david.hew@jrmgmt.com, (352) 440-6979