WORCESTER—Russo Italian Restaurant, located in the Canal District, dropped some bad news on its fans, announcing on Sunday that it will close its doors for the last time on Oct. 26, following dinner service. The restaurant will not be renewing its lease, marking the end of a relatively-short run for owner Ed Russo, who opened the restaurant at 65 Water St. in June of 2019.
“It’s a difficult and emotional decision to say goodbye, one that was not made easily,” Russo said in an announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The restaurant, which paid homage to Russo’s Italian heritage, featured recipes passed down from his grandparents. Sharing these treasured family dishes with guests was a point of pride for the owner.
Russo told the Worcester Guardian that while it was tough to let the restaurant go, it allows for him to concentrate on the number of his other business ventures and real estate projects in Central Massachusetts. This includes Labex of MA, his flagship business he started 20 years ago.
“I am blessed to have my children involved in these businesses,” Russo told the Guardian. “[They are] now beginning to take over more of the day to day operations of those businesses, freeing me up to do more of the things I want to do.”
Russo extended his gratitude to the customers who supported the restaurant, thanking them for trusting Russo with their special moments, from birthday parties and family dinners to wedding receptions and celebrations of life. “I am incredibly grateful for your support and loyalty throughout the years,” he added.
“I opened Russo because I am passionate about my heritage, the food I ate growing up, and the traditions we built as a family,” Russo said. “Fast forward now to five years later. The lease for Russo is coming up for renewal. My schedule and outlook on life has changed. I’m ‘semi-retired,’ traveling more, playing more golf and spending more time with my grandchildren. After months of back and forth, I came to the conclusion I could not make the commitment it takes to run the day to day operations of the restaurant. I have other priorities. But with my name on the front door, I knew I would not be comfortable with anyone else running it for me. I was time to for me to focus on other things.”
He also acknowledged the restaurant’s staff, both past and present, for their dedication and service, helping to create memorable experiences for countless guests. “Your loyalty and service will never be forgotten,” Russo said.
As the restaurant prepares to close, Russo bids his patrons farewell with the words: “Grazie (Thank you)…Arrivederci (Goodbye)…and Amore a Tutti (Love to All).”
“It was a fantastic run,” added Russo. “I built new friendships and served thousands of happy customers. I am grateful and humbled by the entire experience. But as the imcomparable Andrea Bocelli sang, ‘It’s Time To Say Goodbye.’”
Editor Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
