The wait is over, well almost. After a little more than a week of being closed to relocate to its new location, Steve’s Pizza will open at the former Granle’s building, 421 North Main St., on Monday. The popular pizza restaurant that has been an Austin staple since 1978 was formerly located at 215 Second Ave. N.E. and has moved to make room for the new jail and justice center.

“I like the design of the building,” said owner Steve Davis of the new location. “I like the design of the interior, and I also like the visibility.”

For more than three decades, Steve’s Pizza has been the home of wedding receptions, anniversary, birthday and graduation parties, in addition to countless first dates.

“That’s what makes the hospitality business rewarding,” Davis said. “And all of the employees.”

The new building seats about the same as the old and will accommodate between 100 and 130 customers. As part of the renovation, a fire sprinkler system has been installed, and the main floor was completely gutted.

Davis said the majority of the seating will be on the main floor, with a plan to house video games and party seating on the mezzanine level.

He expects a grand opening sometime in April, probably around the 21st, as that was the date the original Steve’s Pizza first opened.

During the grand opening, Davis said he will probably unveil some new Italian menu choices as well as add a baklava sundae for dessert.

And, of course, there will still be the pizza, which Davis said he still enjoys.

“That’s the part that’s amazing,” he said. “I still like pizza. I think the reason why is the different types.”

As for the old building, Davis said he would like a couple of bricks to remember it by, but added that he isn’t sure if he will watch when it gets demolished.

“It would be kind of like watching the execution of a family member,” he said.