Owner: Gorilla Pizza will stay in Asheboro Mall, undergo extensive renovations

ASHEBORO — A mainstay of Asheboro Mall since 2008 will remain at its location. Gorilla Pizza will continue to serve its customers while undergoing extensive renovations.

Rasha Elslkawy, owner of Gorilla Pizza, said in a text message, “Gorilla Pizza is staying! Our current hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m. (Closed Mondays).”

It was reported in early July that Elslkawy was considering closing her restaurant after a series of challenges, including water leaks and a faulty exhaust hood. The shop also is in need of renovations.

Added to that, traffic by Gorilla Pizza had dropped off with the closing of Foot Locker across the wing as well as a holiday pop-up boutique.

Earlier, she had said, “I love what I’m doing. I have to make a living and I love the customers. But I have no Plan B. I don’t want to lose everything.”

But after much consideration, not to mention the urgings from her loyal customers, Elslkawy plans to stick it out.

Last week she was in touch with contractors for quotes on renovations. She hopes to continue serving food while workers are on-site, which will likely mean the inside seating will be off limits but customers can still sit at tables in the mall.

Meanwhile, according to Elslkawy’s text message, “customers can order through DoorDash and Slice for pickup or delivery — and I’m working on launching curbside pickup before Black Friday.”

When word got out that Gorilla Pizza could be closing, Elslkawy heard from her customers imploring her to stay open. Now she gives them credit for following that advice.

“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the love and support I’ve felt from the community. It truly means the world to me,” Elslkawy said. “That encouragement is a big part of why I’ve decided to keep going — even with all the stress and challenges, I’m doing it for the people who’ve stood by me.”