SOUTH BEND — In a Facebook post Wednesday evening, the Parisi family announced it’s closing its eponymous restaurant at 1412 South Bend Ave. and that its final day of service will be Sunday, Oct. 5.
Roberto Parisi opened Parisi’s Ristorante Italiano “in 1981 with his parents after immigrating from Italy, bringing with them their love for food, family, and community,” the family said.
The Oct. 1 Facebook post continued: “What began as a dream became a home for countless memories — birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, and meals shared with friends who became family. We are endlessly grateful to our loyal customers and friends who have supported us through the decades. You’ve welcomed us into your lives, and Parisi’s would be nothing without you.”
Roberto Parisi also owned Bistro on the Race on Niles Avenue from 2004 to 2008.
Within two hours of the announcement, the post had generated 31 comments, all of them expressing customers’ sadness at the news or wishing the Parisi family well.
“It is so sad to read this but There are so many memories,” Donald A. D’Angelo wrote in a comment addressed to Roberto Parisi. “Thank you for your great work(.)”
Angela VanderHeyden called Parisi’s her favorite Italian restaurant and said “… my Grandfather would have been bummed to hear this. Not many great Italian places that all came over around the same time or sponsored each other are left anymore. Sad news.”
The restaurant plans a final “Customer Appreciation Night” on its final night Oct. 5, with a buffet dinner “featuring Roberto’s most loved recipes” for $25 per person. An all-you-can-drink package also is available for an additional $50 per person. The evening begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., with live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.
Reservations are being taken.
“(i)f we were in town, we’d be there in a heartbeat,” Jack Nolan wrote on Facebook. “So happy we got to have a glass of wine with Roberto a few weeks ago.”
For more information, call 574-232-4244 or visit parisisrestaurant.com.
Dining and Cooking