ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. - Figlio will live again. The former Hennepin Avenue favorite will soon be taking over the space formerly occupied by Sopranos Italian Kitchen in St. Louis Park's West End development.
The agreement was reached in July, with the new Figlio restaurant expected to open in September of 2012.
"Closing Figlio was the biggest mistake I've ever made," says its creator, Parasole founder Phil Roberts. "Knowing that it will live again is tremendously gratifying, and I couldn't be more pleased that Uptown's iconic restaurant will be in the capable hands of Kaskaid Hospitality's owner and CEO, Kam Talebi, a man I admire and whose organization I respect."
The original restaurant opened in 1984. Owners boasted the state's first wood-fired pizza oven and introduced residents of the Twin Cities to then exotic fare including fried calamari, homemade ravioli and personal-sized pizzas.
"FIGLIO had a storied history, but I'm really excited about its future," says Kaskaid Hospitality's Talebi. "It was a pioneer in Uptown, and its energy, attitude and powerfully appealing Italian fare will lead the way in the West End."
While the details of the licensing arrangement remain confidential, Roberts and Talebi confirm that Kaskaid Hospitality will be granted the rights to the FIGLIO name, graphic identity, menu items and other brand assets. The agreement also grants Kaskaid Hospitality the option to open additional FIGLIO restaurants in other parts of the United States.
"It is great news for Twin Cities diners," says Roberts. "The deal's a win-win all the way around."
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