Papa John's Opening Soon

Childhood friends Sean LaValle and Alfred Fico will be filling in the third and final commercial space directly across from the Riveread Project downtown, joining Blue Duck Bakery and Ralph's Italian Ices as Papa John's Pizza prepares to open its doors soon.

LaValle said on Wednesday that as the restaurant - which will seat about 20 people inside and out - waits for a final inspection from the town, it appears as though opening day for the Main Street pizzeria will come on Thursday, May 23.

LaValle is a member of the 1984 McGann-Mercy graduating class, and Fico resides in Riverhead, and the duo hope to be part of a resurgence that has recently seen the Suffolk Theater, Peconic Ballet Theatre and others open their doors.

"Riverhead seems like a great place to build a business," said LaValle, who previously worked in the insurance business. "People seem to be building it back up, making it lively again, and we want to be part if that."

Papa John's will join Parto's and Julia's Pizzeria as the third downtown pizza joint, and as they wait to open their doors, LaValle said the store is currently hiring delivery drivers as the rest of the staff has already filled out.