BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Calacino’s Pizzeria in Beckley had to temporarily close their doors back in April because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they used that time to remodel and make a big comeback as they have been open at 50% capacity.
Calacino’s has been a Beckley staple for generations as the area’s first pizzeria opened its doors in the 1930s. But when the pandemic hit, it was hard to keep their staff employed with to-go orders only which led to the temporary closure.
Now they’re back adapting and navigating the new guidelines. This certainly is not easy for any restaurant but especially when the restaurant is a go-to spot for Saturday night live music.
“It’s definitely hurt us because our Saturday nights are usually our biggest night,” Owner Jeff Weeks said. “A couple weeks ago we had outdoor entertainment. We were able to have a stage and that was very successful, but then after that of course the governor did push it back to 25 and not allow live entertainment, so we’re back to where we started from on that.”
However, in other ways, they’re ahead of where they started from.
The owners took the time they were closed to remodel putting in floors in their sports bar area in the back and making the front of the restaurant more of a family-friendly environment with a fine dining atmosphere.
Owner Jamie Weeks says this also comes with a new menu.
“We have several new menu items too that have gone with the front,” Jamie said. “Seafood dishes, pasta dishes, ribeyes.”
You will find all of Calacino’s staff wearing a mask, seating at every other table and consistent sanitization.
While these times have certainly not been ideal or predictable, the Weeks say it’s been the consistency from their strong customer base that has gotten them through.
“We’ve got great regular customers that have come in and continued to support us and I think they’re supporting us more than they even did before,” Jeff said. “They wanted to make sure we could keep one of Beckley’s oldest traditions going.”
Calacino’s has returned to their normal business hours.
