Another West Michigan restaurant is getting ready to close its doors, but there’s already something new in the works for the space.
Flo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria in Rockford Closing, New Restaurant Opening Up
Flo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria in Rockford will serve its final customers on Saturday, November 28. But the restaurant at 4425 14 Mile Road NE won’t stay empty for long. A new spot, Oak to Ember, will open up there December 5.
Flo’s Wood Fired opened in Rockford in 2018, sharing a space with St. Julian Winery, giving visitors the chance to grab a wood-fired pizza and enjoy Michigan wine in the same stop.
Flo’s Wood Fired Pizza via FacebookFlo’s Wood Fired Pizza via Facebook
This is the second Flo’s restaurant closure in West Michigan this year. Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Bar in Greenville also shut down in April.
The Uccello family’s restaurant history in West Michigan goes back much further. Salvatore and Franca Uccello opened the original Flo’s Pizzeria on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids in 1999. Their sons, Daniele and Davide, took over in 2011, opening more West Michigan locations.
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While the Flo’s name is leaving the Rockford location, the people behind the next chapter aren’t strangers to the restaurant.
A Longtime Flo’s Employee Is Taking Over
Oak to Ember is coming from Carol Johnson, who has been part of the Flo’s team for a decade. She’ll be taking over the restaurant with her husband, Curt, and their sons, Bearen and Cale.
Davide Uccello shared his thoughts about the transition, saying it’s about more than just handing over the keys to the place:
This isn’t simply a restaurant changing hands. It’s the continuation of a story that has been 10 years in the making. There is something truly special about seeing one family’s chapter come to a close while another family’s dream begins.
What’s on the Menu at Oak to Ember?
The new restaurant plans to keep the wood-fired cooking that made the space familiar to Flo’s customers, while bringing in a menu of its own.
Oak to Ember’s preview menu includes Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, with options like Chicken Bacon Ranch, Carnivore, Deluxe and a pickle pizza called the Dilly Dally. Youc can also snack on oak-fired wings, flatbreads, sandwiches and build-your-own pasta.
Ejoy a full bar with handcrafted cocktails and St. Julian wines, alongside desserts like cannoli and tiramisu.
Oak to Ember will have weekly specials too:
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with half-off appetizers, glasses of wine, draft beer and signature cocktails.Monday: $5 kids’ meals.Tuesday: Half-off pasta.Wednesday: 30% off specialty pizzas.
While the Rockford location is closing, Flo’s still has other restaurants in the area. Its Grand Rapids and Belmont locations are remaining open, along with Franca’s Pizzeria in East Grand Rapids.
The Ultimate List of New West Michigan Restaurants in 2026From Grand Rapids to Holland, Cascade, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids, a variety of restaurants have opened so far this year, and this gallery keeps track of them all.
You’ll find fresh sandwiches, Caribbean and Indian cuisine, Cajun and seafood boils, late-night bites, comfort food, pizza, and more.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a family-friendly dinner, a salad bar, or a late-night snack, there is something new for every taste. This gallery will be updated throughout the year as more restaurants open, so check back often to see what is new and worth trying!
Gallery Credit: Janna
Dining and Cooking