The Corners of Brookfield today announced that Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is the latest tenant to secure a spot at the soon-to-open lifestyle center offering dining, shopping and residential options.

Grimaldi’s, with 50 locations spread throughout the United States, will first enter Wisconsin with a location adjacent to and just west of The Corners’ anchor tenant Von Maur. The restaurant’s interior is currently under construction and Grimaldi’s is expected to open in summer 2017.

"We have had our eye on the development for some time, and we are so pleased to bring our distinctive and truly authentic pizza to Wisconsin as the latest tenant of The Corners," said Grimaldi’s Chief Executive Officer Joey Ciolli. "Our signature coal-fired brick oven, used to perfect long-standing secret recipes, has made our thin crust pizza and calzones famous across the country, and we are excited to introduce our concept to the Midwest."

Grimaldi’s space at The Corners, just southwest of the center’s Market Square gathering space, is being constructed to feature the restaurant’s signature 25-ton coal-fired brick oven that burns at roughly 1,200 degrees to deliver its famous pizzeria flavors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Grimaldi’s to The Corners and anticipate it will be another unique offering and attraction to add to the vibrant atmosphere we are aiming to create for shoppers, visitors and residents alike," said Robert Gould, vice president of U.S. Operations for IM Properties. "I believe Grimaldi’s will quickly develop a large local fan base."

According to Ciolli, Grimaldi’s flagship restaurants in New York City regularly drew the likes of Frank Sinatra and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, helping spur the restaurants’ fan following. Grimaldi’s also recently announced it will open a location in Taylor, Michigan, which is expected to open April 24, 2017.

Other restaurants already announced at The Corners include BelAir Cantina and Café Hollander. Von Maur, another first to Wisconsin tenant of The Corners, is celebrating its grand opening Saturday, April 8 with a 9:45 a.m. ribbon cutting followed by customer giveaways and a full day of activities.

Several other tenants, including J. Jill, Francesca’s, Kendra Scott, Twig’s, Anthony Vince Nail Spa, Evereve and Scout and Molly’s plan to celebrate openings Saturday, April 8, while other stores and restaurants will open throughout spring and summer based on their interior construction, expansion plans and merchandising.