MetroWest Italian restaurant to reopen after abrupt closure

Patrons were relieved to learn that a recently shuttered Italian restaurant between Worcester and Boston was not actually closed for good.

Erica’s Ristorante in Ashland will reopen on Thursday, Oct. 30, the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post Monday.

“We’re back and we’ve missed you!,” Erica’s wrote in the post. “Join us to enjoy your favorite dishes and cocktails, new seasonal flavors, and the same friendly faces you’ve missed. We can’t wait to welcome you back!”

Customers expressed their excitement at the announcement in the comments section.

“Wow I thought you meant you were gone for good. Glad you’re back,” one Facebook user commented.

“This makes me so happy. Can’t wait to see you all,” another comment read.

This comes after the establishment said it was closing its doors “due to health and personal reasons,” on Oct. 15.

“Words cannot express our gratitude for your business and loyalty over the last 8 1/2 years,” a prior Facebook post read. “We have met so many wonderful people and have formed so many friendships that we will cherish forever. Ashland is a wonderful community and we appreciate all that it gave to us.”

Owner Sam Cannarozzi told MassLive over the phone Tuesday that the original closure was not planned. He had been dealing with some health issues that prompted he and his wife Erica to close the restaurant’s doors. However, after making some lifestyle changes, Cannarozzi started to feel much better and decided to reopen the beloved Italian eatery.

“We’re happy that we’re going back,” Cannarozzi said, adding that he and his staff have been in Erica’s for the last three days preparing to reopen.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” the owner added.

Cannarozzi also expressed his sincere gratitude to his staff and the community for their outpouring of support, saying, “We’re very excited to see everyone.”

Erica’s Ristorante opened at 78 Front St. in Ashland in February of 2017, the Concord Journal reported at the time. The restaurant specializes in serving classic Italian dishes in a casual dining.

Menu items range from pizzas and pastas to entrees such as Stacked Eggplant and Chicken Piccata. In addition, Erica’s cocktail menu features classic spirits, beer and wine.