Flint restaurant closes so another can expand - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/18/13) - Monday morning brought a change along the restaurant scene in Downtown Flint.

Wize Guys Pizza, which has been a staple for 3.5 years is no longer open for business.

The popular restaurant is closing it's doors, but the news isn't all that bad. The closure will allow their sister company next door, 501 Bar Grill, to expand.

The management team for both restaurants says the move will help better serve their growing customer base.

"Especially when we're busy down here on the weekend and all the big events. We're not big enough at this point for what we need to be," said Adam Lock, general manager.

Most of the 16 employees at Wize Guys will be transferred to 501. Three will be out or work.

While many longtime customers are disappointed with the news, they also agree with the change.

"I know at night time, they're just jam-packed in there, so they do need more room in there," said Kim McDonald.

"I see that's a good idea. I assume they have to change their business model depending on how the public reacted to them and I assume this is a change in their best interest," said Charley Grossmann.

Construction at Wize Guys is already underway to bring it in line with the same look and feel as 501.

There is not a completion date set yet.