Photo courtesy of Sfuzzi.
Sfuzzi, an Italian restaurant and bar that first opened in 1987, is reopening in our neighborhood.
The spot will be located at 2401 Henderson Ave., near The Skellig, Mayer’s Garden, Hideaway on Henderson and other late-night establishments.
It’s coming from This & That Hospitality partners Brandon Hays and Phil Schanbaum, who are known for High Fives, Tiny Victories, Whippersnapper, Ferris Wheelers and Alice. Hays co-owned the second Sfuzzi, which opened in 2009.
“Sfuzzi was where I cut my teeth in the restaurant business and learned quite a bit in my young career. I was given keys to the kingdom and had to learn quickly,” Hays said in a press release. “Going at it again after all these years of Phil and I owning our own venues lends a different perspective.”
Sfuzzi was a popular destination for locals, visitors and celebrities.
“It was an exciting place to find yourself,” Hays said. “There was always a celebratory energy, and we never knew who may walk in the doors.”
The restaurant’s menu will have some familiar favorites plus some new additions. Chef Peja Krstic of Mot Hai Ba is the consulting chef, and he’s working to make sure the flavors reflect the recipes when he was the executive corporate chef for the restaurant from 2011-13.
For drinks, the frozen Bellini will return with cocktails created by Fernanda Rossano, who was a barback at Sfuzzi in 2009.
Wallace Johnson Studio, known for its work at Sachet, Alice, Beverly’s and more, is heading the design. But neighbors should expect to see some of the old features, like the wrap-around patio, U-shaped bar and a Woodstone wood-burning oven.
Sfuzzi will be able to seat 80 inside and 120 on the 2,000-square-foot patio.
Opening hours will be 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, offering brunch, dinner and late-night service.
The restaurant expects to open in early 2022.
