Tracy Schuhmacher

@RahChaChow

Goodbye sub shop, hello pizza bar.

The Rubino's Italian Submarines franchise has closed in East Rochester's Piano Works Mall, and in its place will be a Ferrari Pizza Bar. Construction has begun to transform the former sub shop, along with four adjoining storefronts, into the second location of the popular west side eatery. Owner Joe Ferrari (yes, that's his real name) plans to replicate the concept and look of the original Chili location, which opened in October.

"We're creating a nice little niche for ourselves," owner Ferrari said. "People are accepting us really well."

As in Chili, the space will feature a cheerful, upscale mix of rustic wood, exposed duct work, industrial lighting, pops of bright red and yellow — and an eye-popping sports car, displayed on a lift.

The Chili location started out with a shiny, bright red, operational Ferrari on the lift, which is driven into the space via a garage style door. The cars change frequently so that the owners can drive them; it now has a hot rod on display. Whether or not the cars are real is a frequent topic of skepticism in the bar.

"I wish I could find a fake one — I could save a lot of money," Ferrari said. He gets so many questions about the cars that he has a sign on order that reads: "These cars are real."

The East Rochester restaurant will have a large bar and will serve a family-friendly mix of pizzas and casual fare. A walkway in front of the building will be transformed into an outdoor seating area. Ferrari expects it to open sometime in the fall.

The Piano Works Mall, an office complex and shopping mall, is on West Commercial Street near Interstate 490. It used to be among the largest piano plants in the country; it produced its last piano in the 1980s.

Restaurant review: A Ferrari is the star of Ferrari Pizza Bar

More: Some of the best pianos once made at Piano Works

TRACYS@Gannett.com