Pizzeoli founder sells Soulard pizzeria

Pizzeoli in Soulard is now under new ownership. Founder Scott Sandler sold the popular vegetarian pizzeria to Kyle Weber, effective Tuesday, Sept. 5, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Sandler said he sold Pizzeoli to focus his attention on his other pizza restaurant, Pizza Head, which opened at 3196 S. Grand Blvd., earlier this year.

“It came down to that it was too much work,” Sandler said. “I realized quickly after opening Pizza Head that I needed to make a change. We were doing fine, but it was like having more than two full-time jobs. I’ll be able to focus on [Pizza Head] and do some more creative things and also get some more time off.”

Weber, a Collinsville native, said he plans to make some changes to the restaurant, including adding some meat to the menu, but the vegetarian and vegan options won’t go away.

“My hope is to serve the Soulard community,” Weber said. “I’m taking things one ingredient at a time. I’m working with vendors to find local farms and looking to find the best quality.”

Weber said other upcoming changes include expanding the craft beer selection, adding a craft cocktail list and including apps and salads, among other items. Lunch hours will return as well.

Pizzeoli is Weber’s first foray into restaurant ownership, but he said Sandler has helped him transition into the role of restaurateur.

“Scott has been such a great mentor. He’s gone over and above what has been necessary to help me out here,” Weber said.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.