INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - A landmark restaurant in Indianapolis is closing its doors after more than 80 years.
Milano Inn, which opened on South College Avenue in the 1930s, will close after business on New Year's Eve, its owners announced Monday.
Mary and Joe Modaffari opened the restaurant, featuring traditional Italian fare, in 1934. After the Modaffari's passed away in the early 1980s, the restaurant was saved by nearby salvage business owner Leo LaGrotte. His family has run the business since, with Leo's daughters Tina and Gina taking over operations after their father's passing.
"As many know, the restaurant business is all consuming and with personal changes going on in our lives, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the business and sell. Growing up in the restaurant as a family affair, the Milano Inn will always be a huge part of who we are and who we have become, but it is time for us to now fully embrace the next chapter in our lives. We want to thank our regular customers and our loyal employees who are family to us, and to all others who have made the Milano Inn more than a restaurant, but an Indianapolis landmark with a can’t-miss dining experience," owner Tina LaGrotte said in a news release.
The LaGrotte family will work with a group to develop the building and areas adjacent to the restaurant in the Fletcher Place area east of downtown Indianapolis.
