A BELOVED Italian restaurant has confirmed it will be shutting its doors for good soon after a run lasting nearly four decades.
The establishment confirmed the closure earlier this month, leaving longtime diners devastated.
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A beloved Italian restaurant is closing in October (stock image)Credit: Getty
”After 35 years, we will be closing our doors on October 30, 2025,” wrote Basta Pasta in a post on Instagram.
Basta Pasta began in Tokyo, Japan, back in 1985, and became popular almost immediately.
By 1990, it moved a location across the globe to New York City thanks to owner Toshi Suzuki, offering Italian dishes with Japanese accent.
It became a staple in Manhattan, but will be no more after the end of next month.
While Basta Pasta didn’t detail a reasoning behind the closure, it noted sharing the news was “difficult.”
Basta Pasta also teased the possibility of a return.
“While saying goodbye to our 17th Street home is bittersweet, this is not the end,” the restaurant said.
“The spirit of Basta Pasta will live on, and we are already dreaming of what comes next in a new era.”
“Thank you all for your unwavering support. This is not a final farewell, but the beginning of a new chapter,” the post continued.
Basta Pasta also encouraged diners to come enjoy their favorite dishes “as much as possible” before October 30.
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Like many chains during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Basta Pasta was forced to reduce hours and pause lunch service, according to a Facebook thread.
At the time, the chain said it was “trying to stay positive” amid the decreased sales and health uncertainties.
It’s unclear if financial struggles played a part in the closure decision, but given the tease of a future location, it’s unlikely.
FAN SUPPORT
Several longtime guests at Basta Pasta cried out after the closure announcement in comments on the Instagram post.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
“Oh no! Sad to hear you are closing. Your restaurant has been one of my favorites. You’ll truly be missed,” a fan wrote.
“I used to go to the one in Tokyo and NYC for years! Sad yo see you go! My late mother absolutely loved Basta Pasta! So many great memories there and the food is amazing!” another exclaimed.
“The best restaurant in New York. I always said I would no longer need to visit New York if you guys closed down. Thank you all for the incredible meals and memories,” a third added.
CONTINUED CLOSURES
Dozens of restaurants nationwide have conducted closures already or are continuing them through the end of the year.
Popular fast food chain Noodles & Company has already shuttered 13 locations and plans to close at least 19 others.
Denny’s has even confirmed up to 150 shutdowns by the end of 2025.
Applebee’s is also projecting losses of around 20 to 35 restaurants despite its teaming up with IHOP.
A family-friendly restaurant chain recently confirmed every single one of its locations will close on September 30.
There was even a sudden bankruptcy filing earlier this year for a restaurant chain “hip in the 90s.”
Dining and Cooking