Papa John’s, the franchise pizza place that opened on East Main Street last May, has been closed since Saturday.
The operators say they will reopen, according to the landlord there. The Riverhead location is not listed as a retailer on the Papa John’s corporate website.
“He said he planned to reopen, but I don’t know when,” said Isaac Israel, a principal in Mirahmax LLC, which developed the three-store retail complex just east of Maple Avenue on the former site of an auto parts store.
According to a March 28 posting on Craigslist, the business was being offered for sale at $175,000 “due to a major partnership discrepancy.”
Israel said it is his understanding that there is a rift between two partners. They have a long-term lease, he said, and are current on their rent.
“Looking to sell business FAST,” said the Craigslist post. “WE just don’t get along and it [sic] ruining a great location and highly potential business.”
“They sunk a lot of money into that place,” Israel said. “They did a beautiful job. I hope they can work things out.”
The other two tenants in the strip, located a short walk away from the aquarium, are Ralph’s Italian Ices and Blue Duck Bakery Cafe.
“It’s definitely a desirable location,” Israel said.
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