Started in 2011 the popular Pizzeria 22 is changing hands. Founder Cary Kemp made the announcement on social media on Aug. 8.

Kemp wrote:

"It is with great excitement and a heavy heart that I announce the sale of my beloved restaurant, Pizzeria 22. I am grateful and so happy to inform you all that I am selling Pizzeria 22 to our former front of house and bar manager of 5 years, Brandi Pierce. Brandi has remained on our books over the years and is very excited to take over the reins at Pizzeria 22 as the new owner.

Please don’t fret as Pizzeria 22 will continue on with the same name, menu, and most importantly, our amazing staff. I want to thank the residents of Seattle, West Seattle, and North Admiral for supporting me and my family for the past 13 years. I have seen a generation of children grow up eating our pizza, some of whom have come to work their first job at Pizzeria 22. I also have so many regular customers who have become family to me over the years that I truly cherish. Both of my daughters have worked at Pizzeria 22, and my oldest daughter, Plum, will continue working with Brandi in this new exciting era of Neapolitan pizza.

Since our opening on June 30th, 2011, Pizzeria 22 remains the only VPN certified pizzeria in West Seattle. We still import the Caputo “00” flour and world-famous San Marzano tomatoes from Napoli, and our wood-burning pizza oven was made in Naples and shipped to our doorstep. I can guarantee you that Brandi is dedicated to continuing these age-old traditions and will source only the finest Italian ingredients going forward.

Lastly, I would personally like to thank Chef Daniel, our head pizzaiolo at Pizzeria 22. Daniel has worked our oven and been our leader in the kitchen since the day we opened over 13 years ago. His dedication and commitment to making the best pizza in Seattle is unparalleled in our business. Daniel is excited to continue executing the menu at 22 as well as developing our monthly special menu, which started last year.

I hope you all will continue to support Brandi and Pizzeria 22, and again, thank you for your continued support over the years. I won’t miss the stress, but I will miss seeing you at Pizzeria 22!

Peace and love,
Cary"

What's next for Cary?

He said he's going back to the music business in a way. For many years prior to opening Pizzeria 22 he was a tour manager for Neil Young, and worked with other bands such as Pearl Jam. In the interim the music business has changed of course so Cary is now working with a music business merchandise seller who sell authorized tour merchandise outside of venues across the nation from specially outfitted semi-trailers, many of which are themed to the band's specifications. "It's less stress for me and a good change," he said. He's also a long term artist as a painter and sculptor and the change will give him more time for his art.