A beloved Italian restaurant in Cape May County closed abruptly this week after 30 years in business.
The owners of Nino’s Family Restaurant at 16 South Main Street in Cape May Court House announced the closure Friday on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that we have been forced to close our business,” the owners said in the message to customers.
“Despite our best efforts, ongoing financial challenges and falling behind on taxes made it impossible for us to continue operating,” the owners said. “As a family-owned business, this was not an easy decision, and it is one we fought hard to avoid.”
Nino’s announced Thursday that they would be closed “until further notice,” and then made it permanent on Friday.
The restaurant in the heart of Cape May Court House’s downtown often had lines of people waiting for tables on the benches outside for dinner service.
The news of the closure generated more than a thousand reactions on social media in just the first hour.
“For over 30 years, this business was more than just a job — it was our livelihood, our pride, and our way of serving the community we love,” the owners said. “After our father, Nino, passed away, we continued the business he built, and we hope we honored and upheld his legacy as best as we could.”
Antonio “Nino” Malusa, an immigrant from Grado, Italy, died in 2021, according to the restaurant’s website. His son and head chef Anthony carried on the tradition.
In their announcement, the family expressed gratitude to customers who supported the business throughout the years.
“Thank you for the memories, the support, and the years of standing by us,” the owners said. “We will always be deeply thankful.”
Dining and Cooking