Willie Beasley and Stuart Watson, co-owners of Antonio’s Pizza & Pasta in Monkey Junction, have announced the opening of a second location.

The new restaurant will take the place of Capriotti's in Hanover Center. Capriotti’s owners Connie Mearkle and Tony Karboski closed the doors earlier this month after three years in business.

Beasley and Watson purchased the Monkey Junction Antonio’s in February and are the restaurant’s third owners. Beasley said he and Watson purchased the business with tentative plans to open additional locations.

“When the opportunity to move into the Capriotti’s location came along, it was just too good of a space at too good of a price not to jump on it,” Beasley said. “It’s all happening a bit sooner than planned, but it was a great deal.”

The space requires very few modifications, which will allow them to open by mid-December, Beasley said. The menu, which features specialty pizzas and traditional Italian dishes as well as stromboli, calzones, soups and salads, will be the same at both locations. Table service will be available, as well as pizza by the slice, take-out and delivery.

Expanded hours are planned to serve University of North Carolina Wilmington students. Antonio’s will serve and deliver until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Antonio’s Monkey Junction is located at 5120 S. College Road; the new location is at 3501 Oleander Drive in Hanover Center.

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