(Image: Northlake Tavern)

Pike/Pine-born Big Mario’s is set to take over classic Seattle pizza joint the Northlake Tavern.

News that the run for the NE Northlake Way favorite would end after 65 years had been spreading with the planned retirement of the longtime owner. Abdoullah announced this weekend that come February 1st, he will be handing over the keys to Big Mario’s owner and Capitol Hill nightlife entrepreneur Jason Lajeunesse.

“I was trained by the original owner, Herb Friedman, God bless his soul, who started the Northlake in 1955,” Abdoullah said in the announcement. “I need to focus on my current health issues at this time, but I am happy that the Big Mario’s family will continue in the Northlake tradition bringing quality pizza and hospitality to our community on Northlake.”

Big Mario’s currently has three Seattle locations in Fremont, Queen Anne, and the Capitol HIll original.

The New York-style pie, slice, and booze provider debuted on E Pike in the summer of 2010.

Co-founder Lajeunesse remains and is also head of the ownership at Neumos, Lost Lake, and The Comet as well as the production company behind the Capitol Hill Block Party.

(Image: Big Mario’s)

In a press release calling the deal “a bittersweet exchange,” the announcement says Big Mario’s hopes to retain Northlake’s eight employees as it continues “the location’s provenance as a haven for delicious specialty pizza, great beer, and televised sports.”

“We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know Abdoullah and his brother during this exchange and are actively working side-by-side at the Northlake,” Lajeunesse said in the announcement. “This is a unique opportunity for us to get to know the business, staff, and its regulars while at the same time being of service to him in this challenging time. We plan to keep the core tenants of the Northlake intact including its amazing decor, but will be adding Big Mario’s hospitality staples such as pull tabs, games, liquor, indoor and outdoor all-ages dining options, classic VHS movies, and finally, Big Mario’s pizza.”

The hope is to keep much of the feel of the old joint including memorabilia and a collection of cartoons on the wall from David Horsey, “Seattle’s Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist that showcase it a favorite destination for UW students, alumni, and their families over the many years.”

One last Northlake hurrah is planned for Tuesday, January 31 with customers “invited to join previous owners and staff, old and new, for a farewell closing party and sign the official guest book for Abdoullah.”

The tavern will be cleared out in February for a clean-up and overhaul with plans for a mid to late March reopening under the Big Mario’s banner.

The new Big Mario’s will be located at 660 NE Northlake Way. Learn more at bigmariosnewyorkpizza.com.

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