PizzeReal, one of the first Five Points restaurants to open during the district’s post-2000 boom, has closed after a 16-year run.
Paul Koumanelis opened the business at 203 N.11th St. in October 2004. Known for its variety of pies and local craft beers, PizzeReal was located across from a Metro library and catty-corner from The Red Door Saloon East.
PizzeReal garnered local headlines in early 2019 when Koumanelis contended that negative and inaccurate postings on Facebook were harming his business.
Nashville-based McLemore Auction Co., led by auction manager Jamie Boyd, is handling the liquidation of PizzeReal's equipment, including an ice maker, furniture, appliances, kitchenware, electronics and decor. The business items will sell to the highest bidders regardless of price, with the auction scheduled to close Thursday afternoon.
Koumanelis ran the business, which served its final pies last weekend, with daughter Athena. He could not be reached for comment regarding the reason for the closing. However, COVID-19 continues to put great stress on the local food and beverage industry.
