The restaurant casualties continue in downtown where longtime operator Peggy Falcaro announced on Monday that she has sold Giuseppe’s after a 20-plus-year run on Bond Street.
Longtime locals remember Giuseppe’s as one of the places to enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine before the boom. However, like many downtown establishments Giuseppe’s struggled to find its niche in the new downtown scene where customers have rewarded novelty, innovation, and, well, newness—none of which Giuseppe had in any great quantity. With this week’s closure, Giuseppe’s joins, Ernesto’s and Bella Cucina on the list of locally owned Italian eateries that haven’t survived the recession shake-out. Meantime, chains and franchises like Portland’s Pastini Pastaria, Carino’s and Olive Garden have moved in, creating additional competition.
Falcaro encouraged her friends and regular customers to stop in before Tuesday when Giuseppe’s staff will serve their last dinner. According to Falcaro, the new ownership will take over immediately and plan to open as the Bond Street Bar and Grill as soon as next week. It’s not yet clear what type of menu or format, that the new business will offer, however, the offerings will include, at least initially, a Giuseppe’s Classics sections on the menu that may help encourage longtime patrons to at least check out the new establishment.
While Falcaro was initially mum on the identity of the new owners, she mentioned that a pair of the restaurants’ popular front of house staff, Nancy and Hydie, will likely be on board for the launch of Bond Street Bar and Grill.
No word, either, on the fate of Giuseppe’s popular lounge, the somewhat underground, Goomba’s. Here’s hoping the new owners find a way to incorporate the well loved alley accessible lounge that’s faithfully watered this thirsty customer’s palate over the years. Salud, Giuseppes, and thanks for the memories.
