We talk about it all the time. Restaurants come and restaurants go. Sometimes it is the food. Sometimes it’s not the food. Sometimes life gets in the way.
Leoci’s Mercato Italiano, led by popular chef Roberto Leoci will be closing its doors on Sunday August 25th. Yes, for good. In its place, the ownership group is planning a sports bar and grill.
“We’ve discussed a number of options.” Roberto told me by phone this morning. “I’m not sure what I want to do just yet. But, yes, Sunday will be our last day at that location.”
We say life gets in the way because Roberto stresses the fact that he is a father now. A second child is on the way. He has opportunities elsewhere, but he’s really not sure now is the time to leave.
It has been nearly a decade since Roberto first splashed on the scene in Savannah with Leoci’s Trattoria on Abercorn street downtown. He developed an incredibly loyal following in his time there. Die hard Roberto fans were thrilled to learn late last year that he was coming back. Leoci’s Mercato Italiano opened in the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center Midtown Savannah in January. Now he has one final weekend there.
So now what?
“I have a lot more to consider now with a family.” he says. “I love Savannah. It’s why it was perfect for me to come back.”
The next chapter of this story is yet to be decided, much less written. What we can say is that Pitchers Sports Bar and Grill will open in that space next month.
If you want to get your hands on one of Roberto’s carbonaras or bolognese, you’ve got until the end of the weekend to do it. For now, anyway.
We will keep you posted.
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2 thoughts on “Leoci’s Mercato closes after 8 months”
NINE years??!! wow! Time sure does fly! Congrats on the new time slot! I miss watching since I moved.
Congratulations on your best lead-in town and all your progress over the years. I have followed you and your team since you began Eat It and Like It. You have informed me, enlightened me, and entertained me.
The only thing I didn’t like was your leaving the SMN. I always enjoyed your articles and was disappointed when you column ended. But time has a way of bringing wisdom. When I saw what new owners did to Mark Street, well, I thought that you had made a wise decision. Too bad for SMN! Much continued success . Best wishes from a life-long real foodie too!!! BABETTE