Figlio Closes Again

For years Figlio reigned a corner spot inside Calhoun Square at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. In the 80's and 90's it was the spot be seen, and sit by the wall of windows facing Lake Street to take in the spectacular plumage that is the Uptown street traffic.

At the time, the restaurant was owned by Parasole, another successful restaurant holding group. The company continues to operate eateries in the area, including Libertine and Chino Latino.

When Parasole closed Figlio it was sudden and abrupt for Minneapolis eaters. An ad campaign promised that the closure would be temporary, while they underwent a facelift, when the reality would be the end of Figlio in Uptown. When the spot did return as Il Gatto (under the menu guidance of Tim McKee and Jim Christiansen, now of Heyday, running the kitchen) the concept never caught on with diners. Il Gatto would close before long. Today the restaurant space remains vacant.

In July of 2012, Kaskaid Hospitality, owners of the Crave restaurant chain, as well as Union and Boneyard, announced they were buying the Figlio concept. The restaurant re-opened inside the Shops at West End in the fall of that year.

Now, it seems that the concept will be laid to rest, likely for good. Kaskaid's Kam Talebi told the Star Tribune's Rick Nelson that customers are demanding lighter fare than the heavier Figlio dishes. The restaurant will be transformed with a Mediterranean-focused menu some time after October. A new name for the space has not yet been announced nor has the final day for Figlio. "Late October" is when it's slated to close.

·All Figlio Coverage [-EMPLS-]

·All Kaskaid Hospitality Coverage [-EMPLS-]