Around here, bad news comes in fours ... After the closure of Proper, Buddy's Grill and Sir Veza's on Speedway, I just got word that yet another restaurant has fallen victim to the Tucson summer.
Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, which has been in business since 1977, served its last meal on May 21. Owned by Harry and Irene Katerelos from the Greek island of Kefalonia, Dolce Vita served Italian classics like pasta primavera and spaghetti with a chunky meat sauce.
The restaurant had moved around over the years, but had been in the same east-side location at 7895 E. Broadway since 1997. The Katerelos family decided to call it quits after the entire Broadway Plaza shopping center was sold to national firm Phillips Edison and Company, threatening a rent increase.
The couple's son John who owns Greek House at 1710 E. Speedway, said that rather than renewing the lease, the two decided to take a break for the summer and look for someplace new. The lagging economy was also a factor in the decision. John said that he thought the east side still hasn't fully recovered from the recession.
Harry and Irene haven't decided if the new spot will be a Dolce Vita, another Greek House or perhaps a breakfast restaurant, John said.
Here is Dolce Vita's parting Facebook message:
"To our valued customers, friends, and family,
We regret to inform you that as of May 21st, Dolce Vita will be closing its doors. Over the past 20 years, we've worked hard to serve quality Italian cuisine to Tucson. In doing so, we've made friends with some incredibly kind and generous people. This is a business that has thrived due to the patronage of our regular customers and to those people we are eternally grateful. So from the Katerelos family, myself and the rest of the Dolce Vita staff, we'd like to say thank you.
Sincerely,
-Stephen
PS
The owners have every intention of starting a new business sometime in the near future. When and where has not yet been decided, but we will do our best to keep everyone in the loop. Keep following this page for updates."
