Pizzeria Felici to become Taqueria Feliz

Italian is out and tacos are in after less than three months, as Brian Sirhal and Tim Spinner are about to reconceptualize their Pizzeria Felici at 303 Horsham Rd. in Horsham.

After business on Saturday, Jan. 2, Pizzeria Felici will close for a few weeks for a face lift (new bar top, a mural) and will become a Taqueria Feliz, the fourth Mexican eatery from the crew behind Cantina Feliz in Fort Washington, La Calaca Feliz in Fairmount, Taqueria Feliz in Manayunk.

The wood-fired Neapolitan pizza or the rest of the menu (including memorable fried gnochetti, left) is really not to blame.

Sirhal cites the parking as one of the challenges in the busy shopping center. Though there is free valet, drivers don't see the stop-off at Felici's door.

"People know there are 10 other Italian restaurants or pizza places within a half-mile" and consider going elsewhere, Sirhal said.

"Our style of Mexican is what the area needed," he said, "and it's what we do best anyway."

The partners are working with the landlord on making the valet setup clearer.

Felici chef Michael Brenfleck, last at La Calaca Feliz in Fairmount, will remain, adding a few items to the menu.