Shakespeare’s Pizza to temporarily relocate

An iconic Columbia restaurant is changing locations next month.

Shakespeare’s Pizza announced Wednesday that it will temporarily relocate its downtown location while the current site is redeveloped.

In late May, Shakespeare’s will move into a nearby building on South Eighth Street, which used to house BBC II. Property owners and developers will then begin construction on a new building at the restaurant’s current location.

Manager Kurt Mirtsching said the plan is to preserve the look and feel of the historic downtown restaurant.

“We are in the process of meticulously cataloging our space, measuring and photographing our bricks, wood car siding, antique signs and booths so that we can recreate the Shakespeare’s atmosphere that people know and love,” Mirtsching said.

“Once construction is complete and we move back to our original location next year, the Shakespeare’s party at Ninth and Elm will continue for the next 50 years.”

Shakespeare’s will return to its original home by late summer 2016.