Back in August, it was announced that Giordano's — the beloved Chicago pizza joint — will open in Champaign-Urbana, taking the space that was previously occupied by Buca di Beppo's in Marketplace Mall.

Per this post in Champaign Urbana History on Facebook — Giordano's is... kind of open:

Giordano's Pizzeria at Market Place is open. Sort of. Selling frozen pies and gift cards. Dining room opens January 10. Rumor has it they're going to open a second location in the Illini Union late next summer.

A second location as well? If we get more info to confirm this, we'll update. But for now, that's what we have.

UPDATE: Per IllinoisHomepage.net — it is indeed open.

CHAMPAIGN -- It's the day pizza fans have been waiting for. Giordano's partially opened on Sunday. While the restaurant will not be offering dine-in services until January 10th, they are now selling frozen pizzas, gift cards and merchandise at the Marketplace Mall food court entrance of the restaurant. After the soft opening on January 10th, the pizza chain will be open for dinner only. The following week, they will extend their hours to accommodate for lunch. The store manager told us the grand opening will likely be toward the end of January. For now, you can stop by from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sundays.

Top photo credit and info credit to Mitch Kazel.