UPDATE, 4 p.m.: Giant Pizza King will remain open through October, according to an arrangement negotiated in court Monday.
BONITA, Calif. (KGTV) - The owner of a Bonita pizza shop who says they are being pushed out of a strip mall in favor of a Starbucks is facing off with the landlord in court Monday.
Alcott Estates, L.P. is suing Giant Pizza King owner Nisreen Stephan, accusing her of staying too long despite their lease expiring.
However, Stephan and her husband said they exercised an extension that gives them two more years at their location on Central Avenue.
Giant Pizza King has been at the same Bonita location for 23 years, and Stephan said she loves Bonita and does not want to leave.
RELATED: Long-time pizza shop owners: We're being pushed out for a Starbucks
10News learned the landlord plans to replace Giant Pizza King with a Starbucks store, even though another Starbucks sits just 200 feet away. The current Starbucks would reportedly be replaced by parking.
A spokesperson for the strip mall declined to comment, and Starbucks has not returned 10News’ messages seeking comment.
