Aldo Dean, who is bringing his restaurant concept Aldo’s Pizza Pies to Downtown Memphis, is applying for a façade improvement grant from the Center City Development Corp.

Center City staff has recommended a grant to cover eligible expense up to $23,498, with the final amount based on approved receipts and subject to closing requirements. Dean also has already requested and received a retail forgivable loan of $40,000.

His façade grant is scheduled to be discussed and voted on at the Wed., Feb. 15, CCDC meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. in the Downtown Memphis Commission office, 114 N. Main St.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies will occupy 3,887 square feet in the ground floor of Barboro Flats. It will be a full-service restaurant that serves New York-style pizza and sub sandwiches in addition to offering beer, wine and a full bar.

Dean executed a 7-year lease on Feb. 4. The restaurant is estimated to open sometime in April or May.