Godfather’s Pizza in Port Orchard is closing but its space on Mile Hill Drive won’t empty long.

Port Orchard Godfather’s owner Steve Runge plans to retire. A Westside Pizza franchisee is taking over the location.

The pizzeria will shut down Saturday and remain closed for about a month for renovation, said Westside Pizza franchise owner Teresa Mahoney. She plans to remove carpet, install hardwood floors, repaint and hang new signs before reopening.

“Basically just update it,” she said. “Then it’s all about customer service, and who I can please.”

Mahoney said the new shop will offer discounts for military personnel, first responders and teachers. The Enumclaw resident is moving to Port Orchard to run the business.

Port Orchard will be the 28th location for Westside Pizza, a fast-growing West Coast chain. Westside was founded in Colville and has shops on Bainbridge Island and in Bremerton, Kingston and Poulsbo.

Godfather’s has been a popular Port Orchard gathering place since opening in 1982. Runge took over in 1997. He said he’s excited for retirement but sad to close the restaurant.

“It’s always hard to give something up after 18 years,” Runge said. “And we’ve had great customers.”

Godfather’s Pizza, soon to be Westside Pizza, is located at 1700 SE Mile Hill Drive.