Pizza A Modo Mio bringing new concept to mall food court
from Staff Reports
One of Charleston’s favorite pizza restaurants is returning to its West Ashley roots with a new concept. It will also become one of the first new dining tenants announced as part of Citadel Mall’s transformation.
Pizza A Modo Mio, which started as a food truck before opening on Bees Ferry Road and then expanding to Hollywood and Mount Pleasant, will open its fourth location this fall inside the mall’s food court with A Taste of Rome by Pizza a Modo Mio.
Pizza A Modo Mio first opened in West Ashley in early 2023 and has built a loyal following for its authentic New York-style pizza, bagels, and Italian Ice. The new location represents owners Mike and Julia Pitera’s first concept designed specifically for a food court setting.
Unlike Pizza a Modo Mio’s traditional full-service restaurants, A Taste of Rome will feature a fast-casual menu built around 12-inch Roman-style pizzas, along with fresh chopped salads, pasta, appetizers, authentic New York-style bagels, specialty coffee, and desserts.
Mike Pitera announced the project last week on social media, saying they were partnering with the Medical University of South Carolina as the local medical center continues its expansion within the mall.
Late last year, MUSC paid $83.5 million to purchase a large portion of the Citadel Mall, acquiring 556,600 square feet as it expands its MUSC Health West Ashley Medical Pavilion to be a full healthcare, education, and mixed-use campus. The food court is expected to play an important role in serving the thousands of people who will visit or work on the campus each day.
Pitera said the concept is designed to serve not only nearby residents but also the growing number of MUSC employees, patients, and visitors expected to frequent the redeveloped property.
A Taste of Rome by Pizza A Modo Mio is expected to begin serving customers by early fall.
