The Mamma ‘Zu building now appears to be up for lease, empty in the same spot many veteran Richmonders know well. It had been serving customers along Pine Street for almost 30 years.

Owner Ed Vasaio opened Mamma ‘Zu in 1994 — back when Boys II Men ruled the radio waves + Friends was just premiering on our TV’s. Judging from blog posts + articles posted across those years from a variety of Richmond visitors + regulars, Mamma ‘Zu was a highly talked-about small space with a style all its own. No Olive Garden fluffiness here, just authentic Italian.

The restaurant hasn’t opened its doors since the pandemic hit in March of last year. Online, it still shows “temporarily closed.” But if you make your way to the decades-old Italian joint, and a for lease sign stands in the window.

But this isn’t the end for Vasaio’s culinary charm + Italian dinner essentials. Edo’s Squid — located just around the corner from The Grace Street Theater — just reopened for dine-in service after going purely takeout throughout the pandemic. Much like Mamma ‘Zu, Edo’s Squid also has a selection of traditional favorites — many patrons recommend the calamari.

But as one restaurant’s doors close, another Richmonder-owned business could open. If you had to #BeTheBroker and pick a new tenant for this neighborhood space, what would you like to see here? Let us know.👇

Poll

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