Quantum Real Estate has confirmed that Elizabeth's Pizza will return as part of the redevelopment of Wilmington's North 17 Shopping Center. The beloved local restaurant, which has operated at the site since 1987, will anchor the ground floor of the new five-story mixed-use building called The Grove on Market, preserving a decades-long community institution.

The transformation of the 1954 shopping center includes 55 residential units above retail space. Annamaria Lookman, COO of Quantum Real Estate and part of the restaurant's family, emphasized the community connection while discussing plans for other former tenants like Asian Life Market and Up-Town Clothing to potentially return.

Elizabeth's Pizza closed in 2023 due to storm damage and insurance claims. While The Grove should complete construction next year, the restaurant isn't expected to reopen until fall 2027. The redevelopment highlights the balance between urban transformation and preserving local culinary institutions that serve as community anchors.