The little pizza and Italian place at Fairplain Plaza that carries on the long ‘Capozio’s’ tradition without the formal brand is planning to reopen Tuesday, July 22. Social media has been mourning the closure of Joey C’s, with little explanation, for several weeks, with many fans expressing confidence that Joey C (Joseph Capozio) and his team would be back.
And now, they are planning the reopening for Tuesday. 1835 M-139, Benton Harbor.
In a short Facebook post, Capozio explained that he was quite ill and hospitalized. He apparently takes great pride in being personally involved in the preparation of the pizza, specialty dishes and sub sandwiches for which Joey C’s is known—and which have made the Capozio’s brand a staple in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor for 65-70 years. If Joey can’t be ‘in the house’, apparently the house is closed!
“! Wanted to announce that Joey C’s pizzeria and Italian specialties will be reopening Tuesday the 22nd at 11:30 a.m… closed at 2 PM… reopening at 4 PM until closing.
Sincerely sorry for all the inconvenience but had some really bad health issues with myself, and then I just brought my mother home today after five days in the hospital for a collapsed lung. I was in hospital for 6 1/2 weeks! Thank you for your patience and I hope I still have your loyalty. I cannot wait to do an even better job for you than we did before. Tthank you!”
Capozio’s had several ‘official’ locations in the area for decades. However, the last one closed a few weeks ago on Red Arrow Highway in Harbor Country. Devotees of the Capozio’s menu items say that Joey C’s creations are ‘spot on’ with the traditional recipes. So, it’s a good bet they’ll be lined up Tuesday when Joey C heads back into the kitchen!
