SCOTTSDALE — After just more than four decades in Old Town Scottsdale, Italian Grotto has closed.
The restaurant's last day on the southeast corner of Main Street and Scottsdale Road was Sunday, May 26, according to a May 24 post on the restaurant's Facebook page.
"After 42 years, it is time to move on to a new chapter. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the many years of support and encouragement from friends and family alike," the post read, which was signed by "Grotto (Garry)."
"When this guy from the Bronx decided to open an Italian restaurant in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale in 1977, people thought I was crazy. But, throwing caution to the wind, I did it anyway. This has been the greatest decision of my life! The people I have met and the friends I have made are nothing short of spectacular. Although these may be the last few days at the Grotto, the memories will carry on forever!
It’s been a ride down and a walk back! Thank you everyone. See you on the beach," the rest of the post read.
ABC15 attempted to reach out to the restaurant via email, but the message was automatically returned.
A "Notice of Business Closure" from the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department dated June 10, 2019, was posted to the door, an ABC15 reporter noted Thursday afternoon. Two red "space available" signs were posted in the windows.
ABC15 reached out to the listing agent on the signs to see if anyone had expressed interest in the property yet, but our message was not returned by the time this story was published.
