St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a long-term lease for Silver Beach Pizza to remain in its location below the bluff downtown.

At their regular meeting this past week, commissioners signed off on a deal offered by the popular attraction to remain in the city-owned former train depot for another 30 years.

Silver Beach Pizza co-owner Tony Bertig appeared before commissioners earlier this month to request that two 11-year lease options be added on to the current lease, which still has eight years to go. That makes 30 years. Bertig said the restaurant wanted to secure its location well into the future, especially as the venue passes on to a new generation.

Bertig said Monday the deal worked up by the city attorney matched Silver Beach Pizza’s proposal. He took a moment to thank City Manager John Hodgson for his help over the years.

“John has been here from the beginning for Silver Beach Beach Pizza and all the things that we have done,” Bertig said. “Every time I called to speak to John about some issue, he was not only a wealth of knowledge, but he was always so responsive. We’re going to miss you, John.”

Hodgson retires next month.

Silver Beach Pizza’s David Costas, the son of restaurant co-founder Jay Costas, told us he appreciates having the city’s support as he manages the place into the future.

“It feels good,” Costas said. “We’re very involved in the community and we put a lot of effort into having close relationships with a lot of people in the city, so it’s nice to see them support us.”

Silver Beach Pizza offered to pay the city an extra $200,000 over the next eight years, plus regular rent increases beyond that, for the long-term lease. Additionally, it will take on the responsibility of all maintenance.

Bertig noted Silver Beach Pizza has invested a great deal into the train depot property since occupying it, expanding from 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet and paying for most maintenance.