Chef Justin Sutherland’s re-imagining of the eateries within Madison Restaurant Group, which he became a partner in over the winter, continues this week with Fitzgerald’s on Cathedral Hill undergoing a quick design and name change.

The restaurant closes after a farewell party on Friday, which will include prizes, giveaways and discounts on the current menu items. It will reopen quickly — on May 16 — as The Fitz, which will focus on wood-fired pizzas.

Fitzgerald’s has always had good pizza under chef Graham Messenger, who will continue to helm the kitchen, so making that the focus seems smart. The team will add a Chicago-style deep-dish.

“I’m extremely happy with it,” Sutherland said of the pizza, which he called “the best I’ve had outside Chicago.”

Sutherland said that the Italian wood-fire pizza oven will be installed May 6, and Minneapolis design firm Studio Grey will spruce up the space. Messenger and chef Donald Gonzales have been testing menu items in the wood-fire oven at Fire and Whiskey, the New Richmond, Wis., restaurant that Sutherland is also a part of.

Besides pizza, Sutherland said The Fitz will have an “extensive salad program,” sandwiches — including the popular Philly and burger — and appetizers.

In addition, construction will begin soon on a large patio that will take up residence in the restaurant’s current parking lot.

The beer garden-style outdoor space will include an outdoor bar, fire pits and plenty of greenery. Expect an end-of-summer or early fall opening for the patio.

THE FITZ

Where: 173 N. Western Ave., St. Paul