Fong’s Pizza will close its current location at 223 Fourth St. downtown and reopen in the former Peace Tree Brewing Co. space in the East Village this spring.

The current location will remain open until late March, with the restaurant opening in its new location by early April.

The owner of Fong’s, Des Moines-based Full Court Press Inc., signed a lease with the building’s owner, developer Jake Christensen, last fall.

The move was announced today, but last fall, Full Court Press owner Jeff Bruning said the proximity of the former Peace Tree site to the hospitality company’s Iowa Taproom on East Third Street and the developing Market District was attractive.

In the release, Fong’s co-owner Andy Massoth said the new location will provide space for additional parking, patio seating and a pickup window.

“This move allows us to drastically expand our catering and carryout capabilities,” he said in the release.

According to the Full Court Press website, the company’s other businesses include Buzzard Billy’s, the Chicken, El Bait Shop, Hessen Haus, High Life Lounge, Iowa Taproom, Ken’s – a not so secret speakeasy, Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers, the Royal Mile, Truman’s Pizza Tavern, and University Library Cafe. Fong’s first opened in January 2009.

Last fall, Bruning said the Peace Tree site was “set up to take over fairly easily.”

“We like that it’s more or less a developed property … and it’s kind of an easier transition from a brewery into what we’ll be doing,” he said.

According to the release, the inside of the new space will feature a massive imported painted dragon and tile bamboo hut above part of the dining area.

Executive chef Dennis Epps said it will also have a larger kitchen that will allow his team to expand what it can do.

“We are putting Fong’s signature spin on classic noodle and rice dishes as well as introducing new salads, expanding our appetizer offerings and even adding items to our late night menu.” he said in the release.