Tazzina (Photo: Google Maps)
June 7, 2018 By Tara Law
Forest Hills Italian restaurant Tazzina, which is owned by “Chopped” winner Jason Zukas, will close on June 30.
The restaurant announced the impending closure via a Facebook post Wednesday, saying that slow business, “huge problems with the landlord,” and a changing neighborhood had contributed to the decision to shut down.
Tazzina has been operating at 102-15 Metropolitan Ave. since 2014, after moving from Glendale.
Tazinna serves contemporary takes on Italian dishes, including pastas, antipasti and fish. Zukas, the chef and owner, became a minor celebrity after winning the second season of popular Food Network show Chopped in 2009.
The Facebook post, which was likely written by Zukas, said that the restaurant is searching for a new location.
“This is not the end of Tazzina, just a little time out until I find the right spot again,” the message said.
The post also thanked Tazzina’s customers for their support over the years.
“We’ve had some great times in these 4 years here and made so many new friends,” it said. “So please join us this month to say goodbye and enjoy some Tazzina’s classic dishes.”
Zukas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
3 Comments
I’m not surprised. The last two times we dined here it seemed to be going downhill, and the restaurant was empty (a far cry from when it was difficult to impossible to get a last minute reservation).
More than rents involved here evenhough landlords have misjudged the area. The traffic in FH restaurants during the day depends on residents and those who come into the neighborhood to work. Since those who work in FH are mainly low paid positions they can’t afford to put a roof over their heads, pay childcare… and eat out and shop for more expensive items. The neighborhood has many professionals who have city offices and huge numbers of older seniors (75 and older) who spend time and money in all the drug stores, Key Food and banks. Kennedy House is more like an asst living facility than a vibrant apt bldg. Income inequality is causing many if the retail issues. Perhaps Jeff Bezos can host a weekly lunch here for workers. The people who work in the stores are generally unfriendly or unhelpful. They don’t offer ant service like taking clothing to a dressing room or answering questions in many FH spots. Corporations need to spend money training staff on customer service. Most went iut of business because of poor to no customer service.
Sad day in FoHi. Another great spot closes on restaurant row because of landlords and the increasing rent.