In case you missed it, the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria under the Brooklyn Bridge announced last week that it was moving across the street to a new location. The owner, Frank Ciolli, was facing eviction because of a rent dispute. The landlord decided to keep the coal oven and sell the location to none other than Patsy Grimaldi, the 80-year old pizzaiolo who was the original owner.

If you’re starting to get confused, stay with me. Grimaldi’s was initially called Patsy’s when it opened in 1990, named after Grimaldi’s uncle Patsy Lancieri’s pizzeria in East Harlem. He was forced to change the name to Grimaldi’s after new owners took over his uncle’s pizzeria in 1995. Three years later, Patsy Grimaldi sold his pizzeria to Frank Ciolli and has regretted it ever since.

The landlord apparently called Patsy after Ciolli’s eviction, undoubtedly knowing that his entrance would create a stir. The new location will be named Juliana’s (after Patsy Grimaldi’s late mother) and will open in March 2012. I’m looking forward to the ensuing showdown on Old Fulton Street.

*Fun Fact: Coal ovens are the key element in creating a smoky flavor in each slice. There are only about 25 left in the city. Because they can hit 1,000 degrees, they are illegal in New York unless you’re grandfathered in. I’m interested to see if Ciolli’s application for a permit will go through.*