Marie’s Pizza And Liquors Building In Mayfair Up For Sale At $1.7 Million

Beloved Neighborhood Establishment Closes Due to Family Health Issues

MAYFAIR — The property for Marie’s Pizza and Liquors, a beloved Northwest Side establishment that opened in the 1940s, is for sale for $1.7 million.

The three-generation family business closed in 2023 because of a sick family member, but owners said the closure was temporary. When the joint pizza and liquor store was decked out in a new Georgia O’Keeffe mural this year, neighbors hoped Marie’s would soon return, but owner Nadine Karavidas told Block Club in June she had no plans to reopen the shop.

A Unique Opportunity for Redevelopment

The 4125-4129 W. Lawrence Ave. property is listed for sale by Darwin PW Realty. Located at the corner of West Lawrence Avenue and North Kedvale Avenue, the building is 8,700 square feet on a quarter-acre lot, according to the listing. A rear lot is currently set up as an outdoor patio for Marie’s and can be used for parking, the listing says.

Nadine Karavidas, owner of Marie’s Pizza and Liquors, poses for a photo June 16 next to her favorite aspect of the piazza mural.

Community Reacts to the News

Amie Zander, executive director of the Pulaski Elston Business Association, was “super bummed” to hear that Marie’s won’t reopen. She’s been going there since she was a kid and said Marie’s is “an icon in the neighborhood.”

“Though it hasn’t been open, everyone knows about Marie’s. It’s sad for the neighborhood, and we don’t really have any pizza anymore,” Zander said.

While “it’s an end of an era,” Zander is also looking forward to see what comes next for the property. A restaurant or retail could be great, she said.

“It’s an awesome spot for redevelopment … It’s really ripe for new business,” Zander said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to attract something that’ll fit in with the community and really meet the needs of the residents that are here.”

A Legacy of Family and Tradition

Marie’s was one of Chicago’s oldest pizzerias. Theodore Karavidas opened it as a tavern and packaged goods store in 1940. By 1950, his son George Karavidas had taken over and expanded to serving thin-crust pizza.

George’s daughter and the shop’s current owner, Nadine Marie, has been working at the pizzeria on and off since 1971. The pizzeria was known for its elaborate holiday decorations, which made the establishment an annual destination for many in December.

Patrons enjoy Marie’s pizza under the restaurant’s festive decorations during a previous holiday season.

Conclusion

The sale of Marie’s Pizza and Liquors presents a unique opportunity for redevelopment in the Mayfair neighborhood. With its rich history and prime location, the property is sure to attract a variety of interested buyers. Whether it’s a new restaurant, retail space, or something entirely different, the possibilities are endless.

FAQs

* What is the asking price for the Marie’s Pizza and Liquors property?
The asking price is $1.7 million.
* What is the size of the property?
The property is 8,700 square feet on a quarter-acre lot.
* Is the property zoned for residential or commercial use?
The property is zoned for commercial use.
* Is the property available for tour?
The property is available for tour by appointment only. Contact Darwin PW Realty for more information.
* What is the history of Marie’s Pizza and Liquors?
Marie’s Pizza and Liquors was founded in the 1940s and has been a staple in the Mayfair neighborhood ever since. The pizzeria was known for its thin-crust pizza and elaborate holiday decorations.