Southern California’s high rent is taking out a longtime Italian restaurant in Orange.
The owners of Conca D’ Oro Italian Restaurant are packing up their pasta makers after opting not to renew a lease with a new building owner at 776 N Tustin St.
The Cangelosi family posted the bad news in a message on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“Sadly, after 60-plus years at this location, we will be closing our doors,” the message reads. “Our last day of service will be April 15th. We are heartbroken.”
The retail center, which includes a Dollar Tree and 7-Eleven, has seen a lot of tenant turnover in recent years. A Planet Fitness took the center anchor spot in late 2016 as familiar shops such as the Bookman, Mother’s Secret, OC Hair Lounge and others moved out. A recent addition includes El Molino de Oro, a Mexican bakery.
The Cangelosi’s note reminded fans and diners that a sister location, “Brava Cucina,” is some 5 miles away in the shopping center at Chapman Avenue and Jamboree Road.
“Our core business at the new location is to-go, but there are a handful of casual outdoor tables,” the message states. “Brava Cucina has the same menu items and is still owned and operated by our family. Thank you for all of your loyal years of patronage and we hope to see you soon at our new location.”
More than 100 fans on Facebook left messages of remorse, recalling memories of eating pasta in booths while finishing up homework, engagement proposals and family anniversary parties. Favorite dishes included the spaghetti and meatballs, arancini (stuffed rice balls) and risotto (creamy rice).
The patriarch of the family, Salvatori Valentino Cangelosi, died in 2005. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1955 and opened Conco D’ Oro within five years of arriving in California, his obituary states.
If you have a new or closing restaurant or retail tip, send it to Samantha Gowen at sgowen@scng.com. If you see a closure or opening sign, snap a photo and send it, too!
