Joe’s Way Pizza is back in town, and not everybody is happy about it, particularly Uccello’s Restaurant.

Uccello’s insists that Stefano Levant, owner of the pizzeria, has violated an agreement that he not open up a restaurant with that name within three miles. Levant sold his Joe’s Way business in 2002 to Uccello’s, which a year later moved to its current more spacious location on West Superior Street with a sports bar.

“I don’t understand why they’re doing this,” Levant said. “They have the liquor license and I don’t. We have different recipes and different food.”

Joe’s Way, which serves takeout pizza and subs and Italian dinners, reopened about three months ago in place of Wing Kingz, former site of the Freda’s Fish Fry, which moved to a site on North Main Street. Levant operated Joe’s Way from 1999 to 2002 in a building next to Hastings City Bank, 156 W. Superior St., which is across the street from his current business.

“A lot of people are glad I’m back,” he said. They say they like my pizza.”

Levant said he’s tried to open pizza establishments elsewhere in West Michigan, but has run into difficulties with his competition. He said he attempted to open restaurants in the Rockford area and on Plainfield Avenue, but was told he was too close to Uccello’s-related businesses, such as Florentine’s.

‘They want me far away from Grand Rapids,” he claimed, noting he had no trouble in Mattawan, but he’s not interested in having a business that’s 58 miles away from his home in Wyoming.

“Every time I open, there’s a problem,” Levant said. “I’m not moving out now. I will stay even if I have to change my business name.”

Uccello’s did not respond to an e-mail from Townbroadcast inquiring about the situation.

The case is expected to be heard in Allegan County District Court May 18.

PHOTO: Stefano Levant, owner of Joe’s Way Pizzeria.