Professor Joe's closes popular downtown pizza spot

The popular downtown restaurant is at least the third small business in the 600 block of Main Street to shut down since the beginning of the pandemic.

Closed their doors since the pandemic.

Professor joe's sports pub and pizzeria is the latest restaurant in downtown lafayette to make the tough decision.

News 18's joe paul has spoken with the co-owner about the affect of covid-19 on main street businesses.

He joins us live at professor joe's with more details.

Joe?

Today is the last day to make an order at professor joe's.

The restaurant is open until nine tonight.

Co-owner joe wenig tells me the past few weeks have been tough on the popular pizza spot.

Nat pop the phone has been ringing off the hook since professor joe's sports pub and pizzeria announced thursday it's closing its doors.

The community response was so strong the restaurant ran out of food just a few hours later.

"well, it was overwhelming."

Joe wenig is co-owner of professor joe's and the inspiration for the restaurant's name and logo.

"we've built a very loyal customer base over the last six years and they came out in force last night."

Jordan gasaway was one of the regulars who decided to pay one last visit.

"no matter how far away you think this pandemic is from you, it's going to always affect you in some way or another, so if you can, continue to support local."

The pandemic dealt a painful blow to the restaurant known for its live music, trivia, pizza and homemade meatballs.

'we're just not in the position to be able to sustain in the face of a prolonged downturn in business."

Frequent downtown construction has also been a hardship for small businesses.

"it's undeniable that access to main street businesses has impacted all of us, and again, not just professor joe's."

Wenig says he's grateful to his customers, staff and the downtown community for their support.

"it's very gratifying and humbling.

We do our best to provide a quality product to people."

He says he's proud of the restaurant's success over the past six years.

And he's keeping a positive spirit.

Nat pop professor joe's offered only takeout and delivery over the past few weeks.

But wenig says the business wasn't there to sustain operations.

He's hopeful to reopen the restaurant or start up another venture once a vaccine is available.

But for now he's putting the safety of his customers and staff first.

Reporting live in lafayette, joe paul, news 18.

Tippecanoe count's election results are final.

The election board certified