Contrary to some media reports, Giovanni’s Pizza in Isla Vista — a college-town landmark of pitchers and pies for many years — is not shut down for good but will reopen within the next two weeks, according to owner Debra Babai. Babai’s husband, Danny, was the original owner of Giovanni’s Pizza on State Street in 1979. Matt Metzka took over the I.V. building’s lease in 2009, but a legal matter prevented him from continuing operations, said Babai. She declined to elaborate further. Babai said that she and her husband are “very excited” to reopen the restaurant, which will feature an expanded menu.
