Students have a new place to put their backpacks down and get a bite to eat.
"It's a great pit stop," owner Derek Young said.
BrickYard Pizza opened Aug. 22. It took over the space at 2216 Central Ave., formerly occupied by Rebar.
Terry Keane, one of Rebar's former owners, said the restaurant shut down after about a year because it wasn't getting the business they expected from students.
"We weren't operating the right concept," Keane said. "With the renovations we did and the type of food we were serving - it just wasn't appealing to students."
Young said the location is perfect for his business.
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"I've been waiting to find the right spot," he said. "It's great. It's the right location, and the foot traffic is great."
Young took over the property in August and added new lighting and artwork to the building.
He said there is still space on the walls for photos of the graduating class at UNM, frequent customers or Lobo paraphernalia.
"I would like the University to carry it to what they want to," he said. "I want it to be creative."
He said the restaurant and bar is geared toward the University community and families.
"It's something everyone can enjoy," Young said.
Junior Nick Carroll said BrickYard had a good atmosphere.
"It's neat," he said. "The flat screens are cool, and there's beer."
Half of the employees at BrickYard Pizza are UNM students, Young said.
Senior Mack Neal, employee, said it has a laid-back working environment.
"You can come here and eat pizza," he said. "Or if you are over 21, you can come drink beer and watch football."
Caroline Carraro, manager of Carraro's Pizza located at 108 Vassar Drive, said they have much more to offer and are not concerned about the opening of BrickYard.
"There's so much more to do (here) than sit and eat pizza," she said.
Carraro's Pizza offers air hockey and pool for patrons.
She said Saggio's and Papa John's should worry because they are all within the same block of BrickYard Pizza. Saggio's is located at 107 Cornell Drive and Papa John's is at 2206 Central Ave.
"It will affect them more than me," she added.
BrickYard Pizza also delivers to the University area.
Young said much of his delivery business comes from the dorms and other late-night businesses.
Jesse Waldon, manager of Papa John's Pizza, said they always welcome competition.
"There have been no noticeable changes," he said.
Young said he has owned businesses like BrickYard before, but not with a location like this.
"The menu's theme is geared towards the University product and price," Young said.
Prices are set to fit a student's budget, he said.
"It's a nice place to hang, and it doesn't break your pocketbook," Young said.
The restaurant is equipped with four flat-screen televisions, free Internet access and wireless connections.
Young said he plans on being in business for a while, awaiting a stronger University base and clientele.
"I want them to have the feeling that it's their college bar," he said.
