There won’t be any need to change the name: Claudio and Varina Formaris have purchased the Italian Couple from Michael and Yuli Waters. The Waters plan to devote their energies to their limoncello brand, Lombardi.
Claudio Formaris said that he will maintain the core of the restaurant’s cuisine, but incrementally, he plans to introduce dishes inspired from his hometown of Torino in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. (Waters comes from Tuscany.) Look for Torino wine and some changes to the decor as well, Formaris said. The hours, initially, will remain 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, with lunch on Friday. The phone number is still 372-4448.
Add Cheddar’s Casual Cafe to the list of already confirmed restaurants set to soon begin construction at the Shackleford Crossing development. The Chili’s-style chain will join other national chains Copeland’s Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar, Texas Roadhouse and Zaxby’s and local concepts Samurai Steakhouse and Panda Chinese Buffet. This addition leaves at least three more spaces for restaurants at the retail center.
Choo Choo Steam, the downtown sushi and sandwich bar, has closed after only a little more than a month in business.