Parisi’s Ristorante in South Bend to close its doors after 44 years

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – A popular Italian restaurant near Notre Dame’s campus says it’s closing its doors this weekend after 44 years in business.

Parisi’s Ristorante announced on Facebook that its last day of operations will be on Sunday, Oct. 5.

The third-generation family-owned business got its start back in 1981.

After 44 wonderful years, the Parisi family has made the bittersweet decision to close our doors,” the post on Facebook reads. “My father, Roberto, opened Parisi’s in 1981 with his parents after immigrating from Italy, bringing with them their love for food, family, and community. What began as a dream became a home for countless memories — birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, and meals shared with friends who became family.”

The restaurant did not provide a reason for closing its doors in the Facebook post, but according to our previous reporting it was rumored not too long ago that closing the restaurant was a possibility due to a proposed condo project.

To celebrate one last time, the restaurant says it is hosting a Customer Appreciation Night on its final evening of service (Sunday, Oct. 5). Customers can purchase a buffet dinner and an all-you-can-drink package as part of the celebration.

To make your reservations for Customer Appreciation Night, click here.