The economy was to blame for closing one pizza place in Charleston, while the reason for closing another is still uncertain.

Lindsi Miller, director of corporate communications for Papa Murphy’s International, said the Papa Murphy’s outlet in town closed July 20, because of a poor economy.

“Due to current economic conditions, it wasn’t performing to our standards,” she said.

Corporate headquarters decided to close the store, which is located near the corner of Lincoln Avenue and University Drive.

Miller declined to comment about whether the outlet was losing money.

Across the street from Papa Murphy’s, Villa Pizzeria closed around two months ago.

Jon Arena, owner of the pizzeria, declined to comment on the closing.

Both restaurants opened for business at the end of 2007, and each offered different options. Papa Murphy’s specialized in the “take-and-bake” option where costumers could carryout pizza and cook it on their own.

Villa Pizzeria offered a sit-down atmosphere with a buffet option.

Their Mattoon restaurant, 2013 Western Ave., remains open.

Mayor John Inyart did not know the exact reasons why the pizza places closed so quickly, but he said many businesses have operated with caution throughout the last year.

“I think they are a victim of the circumstances of today’s economy,” he said.

He said, as mayor, it was disheartening to see new businesses start and experience difficulties soon thereafter.

The crowded pizza market may have also caused the closings, Inyart said.

Charleston restaurants that offer pizza are: Pizza Hut, Pagliai’s Pizza, Chubby’s Pizza, Monical’s Pizza, Jerry’s Pizza, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Domino’s, Papa John’s and Boxa.

“We have, perhaps, reached our peak for the number of pizza places that we can stand,” Inyart said.

Other vacant areas along Lincoln Avenue could see some development soon, while the state of the economy may have halted additional commercial development in other areas.

Inyart said the owners of the “How Y’all Are” property, 107 W. Lincoln Ave., have expressed a renewed commitment to either redevelop or sale the property.

“That’s probably all I want to say at this point,” Inyart said.

How Y’all Are closed in 1998 and has remained vacant since.

Inyart said a developer has filed a building permit for the vacant Harrison’s Cycling and Fitness building, 303 Lincoln Ave., located across the street from Arby’s.

He said the developer plans to establish a small service on the property that could interest students. He declined to elaborate.

“I don’t want to burst their bubble,” Inyart said.

City Manager Scott Smith said several national retailers were interested in Charleston after Smith and Inyart attended the International Conference of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas in spring 2008.

He said most retailers have decided not to develop, whether because of real estate costs or the poor economy.

He said retailers that have contacted city officials in the last year told them that further expansion would not happen until 2011 or 2012 at the earliest.

“Several indicated they’d still be interested in Charleston if someone would be interested in investing in the business locally,” Smith said.

That investment would include the private commercial sector paying for franchise fees and management staff, he said.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or at sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.

Villa Pizzeria is among the businesses that have closed in the Charleston area. (Audrey Sawyer/The Daily Eastern News)

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