Caruso’s is undergoing repairs after its 104-year-old building sustained damage from a microburst.
However, restaurant executives are shooting to have limited service this weekend for the annual Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair. However, executives
“No promises, we have a lot to overcome by then,” said Andy Motzkim, vice president and general manager. “It remains unknown when we can return to full service.
Ande Motzkin, said she and the staff are working to reopen for limited service in time for the annual Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair this weekend. “No promises, we have a lot to overcome to do that,” she said. “It remains unknown when we can return to full service. Hopefully, we will soon.”
The restaurant, located at 434 N. Fourth Avenue in Tucson, is run by family members Sal Zagona, Ande Motzkin, Jennifer McDaniel and Kassandra Figueroa.
Lasagna al forno, shrimp Mediterranean, eggplant parmigiana, garlic toast, antipasto platter and pizza are among the menu items Motzkin believes customers will miss most during the temporary closure.
“Now in our fourth generation, we’ve been serving homemade, reasonably priced Southern Italian specialties ever since the original ‘Caruso,’ Nicasio Zagona, opened his café on historic Fourth Avenue over 90 years ago,” Motzkin said.
Some items have been updated over time but the family has kept the restaurant's original traditions and atmosphere, making sure Caruso's food stays just as authentic as when “Caruso” created it.
Motzkin said a roof is among the required repairs. “Please be patient as we work through this latest challenge, Caruso’s will be back soon. We miss you, too,” he said.
She also called it “distressing” as staff has been affected by the closure. “The unknown is the toughest. Not knowing what’s next is hard on them. They have also been financially impacted,” Motzkin said.
Motzkin said there are no plans to change or update the menu when the restaurant reopens. She added that the community has been “supportive, inquisitive and disappointed” by the news of the temporary closure. “Most express sorrow and wish for a fast reopening,” she said.
Customers can stay updated on the restaurant's reopening and other updates by visiting carusositalian.com and social media. “They can call and leave us a message and we will return the call. We are manning phones and email. We hope to make an announcement with the news when we can open again,” Motzkin said.
Caruso’s
434 N. Fourth Avenue, Tucson
carusositalian.com
