'Homo Hut' pizzeria shut down by city

A candy-stripe shutdown notice is plastered on the door of the gayborhood pizzeria that bills itself Homo Hut.

The city Department of Licenses & Inspections notice points out that the premises at 209 S. 13th St. in Washington Square West, also known as 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, has lacked a food license since April.

And it was shut down before, according to a spokeswoman for the city.

The city said the pizzeria on March 21 was cited for not having food, commercial activity, and handbill licenses. After subsequent inspections, it was determined that the commercial activity license was obtained but the remaining licenses had not been secured, the city said.

An "Intent to Cease" letter was issued and the space was shut down on June 8.  Neighbors told L&I that the business continued to operate at night, in violation of the order. When inspectors returned at 9:30 p.m. June 25, another "Cease Operations Order" was posted.

Tucked behind a barren, nondescript facade, the business displays a "Homo Hut" window sign whose font and logo are reminiscent of Pizza Hut's. It is popular among locals and club kids because of its 4 a.m. closing time.

A phone call to the pizzeria went unanswered. The owner could not be reached for comment.

Matthew Miller, who said he sold the pizzeria in July 2014, said in an email that he is "both concerned and distressed" at the situation, including the "Homo Hut" appellation.

He said that as the neighborhood's businesses are on the upswing, the pizzeria is going in "the complete opposite direction."