BOARDMAN, Ohio – After almost 30 years in business, Caffe Capri will close at the end of June.
The property where the landmark Italian restaurant sits at 8000 Market St. was sold to #1 Cochran, the Pittsburgh-based chain of car dealerships. According to records from the Mahoning County Auditor’s office, a related Cochran entity — Cochran MVRE LLC — purchased the land and building for $1.25 million on March 26.
The sale – rumored for months – was announced Wednesday morning. #1 Cochran did not immediately respond to questions about its plans for the property.
Caffe Capri is a family-run business owned by Ron Quaranta Jr. and his wife, Carolyn. It opened in 1996 at 7807 Market St. and moved to its present location about a half-mile away in 2005.
With its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, family-oriented atmosphere, Caffe Capri became a destination dining spot and remained popular for generations.
The Quarantas have run the business from the start. Today, they are joined by their three children, Ron III, GiGi and Marco, in its operation.
GiGi and Marco are both managers and chefs and wear multiple hats. GiGi handles social media and banquet/catering events, while they both work in the front and back of the house, from the kitchen and bar to serving and managing.
Ron III works in the finance field but occasionally helps at the restaurant.
The decision to close the restaurant and sell the property was a difficult one.
“We thought we would be here for generations to come,” Ron Quaranta Jr. said in a press release. “But after all that we’ve been through, including the challenges brought on by the pandemic, we’ve come to realize that now is the time to say goodbye. It’s a bittersweet moment, but we are so incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished and the relationships we’ve built along the way.”
Caffe Capri will honor previously purchased gift cards until the restaurant closes at the end of June.
Like many in the restaurant industry, the Quarantas faced many challenges over the past few years.
The pandemic forced all restaurants to close for several months in 2020. It was followed by soaring prices for ingredients, a labor shortage and increased labor costs.
“While we worked hard to adapt, we ultimately made the difficult decision to close,” Quaranta Jr. said.
He hinted at a return to the food business in the future.
“While we are closing this chapter, it’s not the end – just the beginning of something new,” he said.
Quaranta Jr. said he is eager to reveal future plans and will do so when the time is right.
“While we don’t have specific details to share right now, we’re excited for what the future holds,” Quaranta Jr. said. “We encourage everyone to stay tuned for what’s next.”
The Quaranta family’s restaurant roots run much deeper than Caffe Capri.
They started in 1939, when Joseph Quaranta opened The Hub Gardens on Hillman Street in Youngstown. When Joseph died in 1956, his son, Ron Quaranta Sr., took over the business.
In 1962, Quaranta Sr. and his brothers, Lee and Ed, opened the Cave Lounge on Market Street in Youngstown. In 1968, he opened Ronnie’s Tavern on South Avenue in Youngstown.
In 1973, Ron Quaranta Sr. opened the original Isle of Capri on Youngstown-Poland Road in Struthers. The restaurant remained at that location until 1985, when it moved to a location on U.S. Route 224, near Interstate 680, in Boardman. At this point, Ron Jr. joined the family business.
After 10 years, that location closed – a victim of the growing number of chain restaurants opening at the time. In 1996, the Capri resurfaced at 7807 Market St. in Boardman with a slightly altered name – Caffe Capri Italian Bar & Grille.
Ron Quaranta Jr.’s wife, Carolyn, joined the business in 2002, shortly after the passing of the family matriarch, Joanne “Mama Q” Quaranta.
In March 2005, the Quaranta family broke ground for the present location, a freestanding building at 8000 Market St. The restaurant opened in November of that year.
Quaranta Jr. extended his appreciation to all who made the restaurant an integral part of the local dining scene for generations.
“Whether you’re a staff member, vendor or a loyal guest – past or present – you have been part of something special here,” he said. “We are beyond grateful for the love and support this community has shown us over the years. Thank you for the memories, for being part of our story and for becoming part of our family.”
#1 Cochran has been buying and rebranding automobile dealerships along the auto row strip on Market Street, where Caffe Capri sits, and elsewhere in the Valley, in recent years.
Its list of acquisitions includes the former Sweeney Chevrolet, Sweeney Buick GMC, Donnell Ford, Fred Martin Ford and Mercedes Benz, Boardman Nissan and the Honda Store.