By George Mahe | October 23, 2024 |
Restaurateur Mike Del Pietro, and his wife Melissa, recently closed on the building housing the former Jordan’s Auto Service (7489 Delmar), a three-bay auto-repair service station on the northeast corner of Hanley Road and Delmar that shuttered in December 2023. The plan is to transform the space to serve pastries and coffee, followed by lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Del Pietro says demo will commence next week and to expect a six-month buildout, which translates to “realistically next summer.” Here’s what we know so far.
The Concept and Decor
Del Pietro, 57, is expanding his MDP Restaurant Group, which currently spans five local Italian restaurants: two Sugo’s, Babbo’s, Il Palato, and Del Pietro’s in Richmond Heights (slated to close by the end of the year). Although Del Pietro had been eager to open another restaurant, he was initially discouraged due to rising rental costs.
“Restaurant rents had gotten so out of control that I had to figure out a way to buy a building, and I did,” Del Pietro says of his recent property purchase. “Even with a 10- or 20-year lease, eventually, those leases come due, and you have to either ante up big time or relocate. In 20 years or sooner, this new property will be paid off. I’m just happy I could buy something.” Although he didn’t disclose the purchase price, Del Pietro did say that it was the largest deal he’s ever made.
His plans for the new, yet-to-be-named, Italian-inspired restaurant include operating continuously from 7 a.m.–9 p.m. “Since I own the building, it makes sense to maximize revenue opportunities,” he says.
The restaurant will feature a 2,500-square-foot interior space, accommodating about 50 guests and including a small bar. Additionally, a 1,700-square-foot, all-season patio, connected by three existing garage doors, will offer seating for another 50 guests. The corner lot is bigger than it appears and can accommodate 33 parking spaces.
While the interior design hasn’t been finalized, Del Pietro envisions “a blend of modern and old-world elements,” incorporating some of the building’s original service-station features without fully relying on them. The restaurant will operate with a fast-casual service model, allowing guests to order at the counter or via a QR code.
