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Pazzaluna, an Italian restaurant in downtown St. Paul popular for pre-theater dinner and happy hour has closed. The restaurant first opened in 1998, and retained some of that 90s Cosmo-slinging cool for two decades. Its proximity to the nearby St. Paul Hotel and Ordway Theater made it a popular spot for visiting actors, theater-goers and a consistent stop for excellent service. The workers there are part of a rare union, making it a reliable employment option for lifelong hospitality workers.
The 175 seat restaurant had been dark since the statewide closure went into effect on March 17. Employees were notified that their last day of employment would be May 31.
Morrissey Hospitality, the parent company that operates Pazzaluna and nearby St. Paul Grill, among others, appears to have also released all employees from that property from employment on the same date, as well. No official statement regarding the future of that restaurant has been made.
The company has said it will honor outstanding gift cards for the next 30 days. Email them for resolution. In a statement from the company, it noted that it would retain the location and determine possible new uses for it in the future.
The restaurant joins others to announce closures in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Bonfire Grills also announced the closure of all of its locations over the weekend.