Mike’s Pizza is BACK!
Mike’s Pizza is back, and Kokomo has been waiting for this moment!
After closing its doors nearly seven years ago, the familiar building at 4001 S. Dixon Road is once again welcoming customers. For many residents, the return of Mike’s has been a long time coming. Rumors about a possible reopening began circulating months ago, and ever since then the community has been eager to see the lights back on at a place that holds so many memories.
The Kokomo Post stopped by today to capture a few photos during the restaurant’s grand opening. It was immediately clear just how excited the community is to have the longtime favorite back. Throughout our visit, a steady stream of customers continued to walk through the doors, and the dining room stayed full as people returned to experience the restaurant once again.
The restaurant originally served the Kokomo community for close to four decades before closing in 2019. Over the years the location took on a few different forms and eventually grew into Mike’s Pizza and later Mike’s Italian Grill. No matter what it was called, the restaurant became a familiar gathering place where families met for dinner, friends caught up over a meal, and regulars returned again and again.
The property remained empty for several years before being purchased last fall by the Patel family, who saw an opportunity to bring a well known Kokomo restaurant back to life. Since news of the purchase began spreading, many longtime customers have been hopeful that the space would once again serve the community.
Earlier this month, the restaurant welcomed guests for a limited series of reservation only dining days while the team prepared for a full reopening. Now Mike’s Italian Grill has officially opened its doors to the public and is ready to welcome both longtime fans and first time visitors.
The return of Mike’s has sparked plenty of nostalgia around town. Many people remember celebrating birthdays, gathering with extended family, or simply enjoying a favorite meal there over the years. With the restaurant back open, those traditions can continue while new memories are made.
And for those wondering if anything has changed, the restaurant feels just the way many people remember it. The space has been kept in excellent condition, the iconic airplane still hangs from the ceiling, and the menu features the same dishes the community has missed for years.
Mike’s Italian Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Take a look at the photos we captured during our visit as Kokomo welcomes back a restaurant that has been part of the community for generations.
