Scott Girod is changing the name of his downtown pizzeria after learning that "Monello" is trademarked by a San Diego restaurant.
The new name: Anello.
Monello is Italian for “brat” or “street urchin”; Anello is Italian for ring, as in come full circle, which describes Girod's journey from the kitchen of award-winning pizzaiolo Chris Bianco to opening his own pizzeria.
Girod worked for Bianco for several years in Phoenix and Tucson, where he had Pizzeria Bianco at 272 E. Congress St. for two years before closing in September.
Girod on Monday said he is shooting for a late January/early February opening for Anello, 222 E. Sixth St. downtown.
Monello in San Diego is an upscale Italian restaurant that serves hand-cut charcuterie and housemade pastas including a lobster spaghetti that goes for $35.
Anello in Tucson will serve hand-tossed pizzas for around $11 and most other menu items won't top $6.
