Italian Delight by Avelluto Bros. in Mission is permanently closed as of May 9, according to the restaurant's answering machine. A sign on the door says the restaurant is closed — though it doesn't specify it's permanently closed — and paper lines the glass doors to prevent the public from looking inside.
Italian Delight by Avelluto Bros., a longtime Mission staple, is now permanently closed.
The family-owned Italian restaurant confirmed their closure on the eatery’s phone answering machine message on Sunday, May 9.
The message cited the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the owners’ desire to take a break from the restaurant business.
“COVID has taken its toll on us and we realized there’s more to life than just working, so we are going to relax in the sand a little bit,” the message said. “We’re going to start another chapter in our lives and, unfortunately, it’s not going to include Italian Delight.”
Italian Delight had not been open for dine-in service since COVID-19 hit last March, but the restaurant still appeared to do a brisk carryout and curbside pick-up business throughout the pandemic, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The owners could not be reached for comment for this story.
Customers quickly took to Facebook on Sunday and Monday to share memories from decades of pizza, strombolis, salads and sandwiches.
Italian Delight has been a favorite since my first days @ SMN in 1991 – that’s 30 years of enjoying a great family…
Posted by Angela Johnson on Monday, May 10, 2021
The restaurant’s answering machine message ended by thanking its customers for their support over the years.
“To everybody that’s supported us and showed us love over the years, we appreciate it,” the message said. “But it’s time for us to move on and enjoy our lives a little bit. So thanks again, and have a great day.”
