Two Italian restaurants, located just a few miles apart, have closed after serving the Bay Area for a combined 120 years.
Pezzella’s Villa Napoli family restaurant in Sunnyvale and Fiorillo’s in Santa Clara closed June 22.
Pezzella’s Villa Napoli has been owned by three generations of the same family for 67 years and is famous for its Italian-American dishes.
Current owner Vince Pezzella said the restaurant has been a “second home” since he was 16, but it was time to close.
“We have made many friends over the years and we want to thank everyone for their love and support,” the restaurant said in a statement announcing the closure.
Pezzella’s Villa Napoli has been owned and run by three generations of the same family.
Fiorillo’s was known for its size, hosting up to 350 diners in its banquet-style room.
Pezzella’s Villa Napoli was opened by Raffaele and Maria Pezzella in 1957 after traveling across the country from Brooklyn with their two sons.
Just seven miles or 20 minutes away by car, Fiorillo’s also closed on the same day in June, after 52 years of family ownership.
The Santa Clara institution, owned by two cousins, said its customers had become “like family” when it announced its closure.
“Over the years, many of you have become like family and we thank you for your kindness and support over the years,” the restaurant said in a statement.
Fiorillo’s was known for its size, being able to accommodate up to 350 diners in its banquet-style room.
The restaurant’s founder also moved from New York City and opened the Italian restaurant in 1972.
Fiorillo’s has been purchased by an unnamed restaurant group that is preparing to rebrand. according to the Gate of San Francisco.
While it’s unclear why Pezzella’s Villa Napoli and Fiorillo’s have closed, the post-pandemic era has been difficult for restaurant owners.
Skyrocketing energy and food costs, as well as rising wages, have made it difficult to balance the books.
Customers tired of inflation have also been put off by rising menu prices as economic costs bite and more people opt to eat at home.
This means that small chains and independent restaurants like these have been closing at an accelerated rate over the past year.
Last week, for example, one of America’s most legendary steakhouses abruptly closed after 30 years.
Buckley’s, a beloved East Memphis restaurant, served its last customers on Sunday.
