A Much-Loved Italian Restaurant in Florida Has Closed, and the Company Will Also Close 13 More

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If you’re a fan of hearty Italian meals without the hassle of cooking, you might be feeling a bit nostalgic. Buca di Beppo, the Orlando-based chain known for its family-style Italian feasts, is closing its doors—not just one, but 14 locations!

Let’s start with the recent closure in Maitland, Florida. This spot had been a local favorite for 25 years, serving up classic dishes like chicken parmesan and spaghetti with meatballs in a setting that tried to capture the vibe of Little Italy in the 1950s. Sadly, that chapter came to an end in mid-June 2024 when the lease expired. While the restaurant had its loyal fans, reviews were a mixed bag. One diner, Luis Fig, shared his disappointment

"How do I begin? My chicken had a hair on it, so the chef came out to apologize and replace the dish. I can see how it would occur, but if you own an Italian restaurant, you really must ensure that quality control is up to par. The breaded chicken was done EXTRA thoroughly before the hair was discovered. The recipe for the "carbonara" had green beans, so really, it's just pasta and store-bought sauce. The service was slow and the restaurant was empty. Positively, I thought the garlic bread tasted good."

But that’s not where the story ends. Just a few weeks later, Buca di Beppo’s parent company, Earl Enterprises, announced the closure of 13 more locations across the U.S. That’s about 20% of the chain’s total footprint! The company has pointed to pandemic-related struggles and other challenges as reasons for shutting down these underperforming spots.

So, if you’re planning on grabbing a meal at Buca di Beppo anytime soon, you might want to check if your local spot is still open. It’s a tough time for many restaurants, and this wave of closures reflects the broader challenges facing the industry.

If you’ve got memories of dining at Buca di Beppo or thoughts on these recent changes, feel free to share!