New Italian eatery coming to Brookhaven.
Brookhaven Provisions, the nearly one year old concept from the team behind the Cafe at Pharr, has closed in Brookleigh Marketplace on Durden Drive, just off Johnson Ferry Road in Brookhaven. The concept, which ownership referred to a "relocation" of sorts of nearby shuttered concept Baci in TOWN Brookhaven, also incorporated some elements from the group's The Hungry Peach catering business and Cafe at Pharr. Things never really caught on and the restaurant closed this past Sunday, seemingly without any notice to patrons.
According to a ToNeTo Atlanta reader, "Brookhaven Provisions literally after being open for Saturday brunch, abruptly overnight by Sunday changed hands and had a new sign erected on the building called Fiorello's Italian Bistro, complete with renovations and new decor in by Monday with a planned opening date of tomorrow, Thursday of the same week!"
I spoke to Mike Fiorello, co-owner of Fiorello's Italian Bistro, who indicated that Tricia Patterson, co-owner of The Hungry Peach and Brookhaven Provisons is still involved, describing the new restaurant as a subsidiary of sorts. Fiorello did indicate however that Patterson will not be involved in the day to day operations of the new restaurant and that it will be his to operate.
When I visted the approximately 3,500 square foot restaurant space earlier today, it was amazing just how much had already been changed to make way for the new restaurant. Fiorello indicated that plans to convert the restaurant started this past January with much the staff aware of the change and transitioning to the new concept.
The restaurant will offer brunch, lunch and dinner with brunch and lunch entrees in the $10-15 range and dinner entrees in the $20-37 range.
Fiorello's already has a website up as well as twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages.
The restaurant's facebook page describes the restaurant as "Authentic Italian cuisine; Casual dining with a Five-Star Flair."
The following story is found on the website and gives would-be patrons a glimpse into the family's Italian roots and Atlanta history.
"The name “Fiorello” translates as “little flower.” Our roots trace back to Soccorso, Sicily where Nonno, grandpa, (Nicola Biagio Fiorello) and Nonna, grandma, (Maria Anna Frucella Fiorello) were born. They literally grew up across the street from each other. Nonna ventured to the USA alone as a teenager in 1955 to live with family in Altoona, PA. She went back to Soccorso in 1959 to marry Nonno! They came back as a couple to the Bronx, NY where they had 2 children, Carmela and Nick, Jr. After the children were born, they moved back to Sicily for 2 1/2 years and Nonno opened his first tailor shop in the neighboring town of Milazzo.
They then returned back to the USA and moved to Atlanta, GA where Nonno began a long career as a master tailor for Brooks Brothers. Nonna was busy cooking amazing Italian food and raising the two children when Cathy was born in 1971. They moved to Decatur which happened to be only be 2 miles from Susie Rodriguez’s family. Nick Jr. and Susie went to school together 1st-7th grade at Rehoboth Elementary and 8th -12th grade at Shamrock High School. Nick Jr. and Susie married and had two children, Michael Santino Fiorello (now General Manager of our restaurant!) and Kaylee Marie Fiorello.
Our whole family is passionate about cooking, eating, drinking delicious wine, making and listening to great music and just being with each other and our friends. We have always had a dream to share this with as many as possible. Susie’s first cousin, Drew Messina, knows the Italian restaurant business first hand since birth, as his family owned Messina’s Famous Italian Restaurant in New Orleans! Drew has joined our team and we have created an incredible menu combining Nonna’s and Messina’s authentic recipes for your enjoyment!"
Are you surprised that Brookhaven Provisions closed? Are you excited for the openng of Fiorello's Italian Bistro? What is your favorite local Italian restaurant?
Please share your thoughts below.