Whether or not the folks at O'Malley's Irish Pub were ready for people to know they have designs on the building down the street, word travels fast. A smile could be heard in O'Malley's co-manager Josh Norris's voice during a conversation last week as he confided, "I think Jack (Dolan) at Sluggo has told every person that goes in his store that we're going to open up a second spot in there."

It's official, you see: O'Malley's owner Pat Mawhinney and staff have plans to create a family-friendly restaurant that focuses on Italian pasta dishes, grinders, calzones and pizza in the space that housed Sluggo Music for more than 30 years. Sluggo is scheduled to close at the end of the month.

"We'll specialize in those and then constantly be throwing out specials like veal Parmesan and manicotti," shares Norris. "We want to do simple, good food."

The future manager of the yet-to-be-named pizza joint feels a family-friendly place will be welcomed on Sixth Avenue. With an eye on family affordability, Norris tells me that Mawhinney says kids will be welcomed with, among other things, free soda or juice.

"With mid-range pricing, it'll be accessible for the average person who just wants a good meal, too," says Norris. 

Price point aside, Norris makes it clear O'Malley's crew wants the sister site to be fun and more appealing to families than other places in the area. After 9 or 10 p.m., the new restaurant will commence regular bar business until 2 a.m., with the intent of serving take-away pizza by the slice.

As for entertainment, Norris is adamant. "We want to continue to help support the local art and music scene," he says.

According to Norris the new space will feature a small stage inside for singer-songwriter type acts, though not much else. As an extension of O'Malley's, community involvement will be expanded to the new business. Norris is excited for the possibility of an outdoor stage during Art on the Ave and participating in Sixth Avenue Business District events. During warm weather months, the restaurant may add minimal outside seating, similar to what has been done with Six Olives' outdoor area.

Four things really stand out after talking with Norris: atmosphere, food, affordability and entertainment. These elements housed under one roof on Sixth Avenue will definitely be a welcome addition. Watch for the yet-to-be-named pizza business to open at 2710 Sixth Ave. in May or early June.