Original D'Amico & Sons location in Uptown is closing

D'Amico & Partners will close its original D'Amico & Sons location by year's end after deciding to sell the building, the company announced on Tuesday.

The 1920s-era building at 2210 Hennepin Av. opened in Minneapolis in 1994, marking the start of what has since blossomed into a nine-storefront chain of casual Italian cafes across the Twin Cities and in Naples, Fla.

The company, which owns several restaurants including Campiello, Cafe Lurcat and Bar Lurcat and Parma 8200, also recently launched Market House by D'Amico in the Minnesota History Center and a catering and events venue adjacent to Loring Park, called Loring Social. On the docket are Bushel & Peck, which will be a more upscale redesign of the company's current cafe at the Mill City Museum, and a seasonal food truck for museum visitors.

The 7,000 square foot building in Uptown -- once home to the short-lived Blackberry Creek Market, one of Heartland Restaurant & Wine Bar chef Lenny Russo's projects -- is the only location that D'Amico had in its real estate portfolio.

The building, which dates to the early 20th century, was originally built as a branch of Witt's Market, a popular downtown grocer and butcher that was based at 705 Hennepin Av.

"The decision to sell the property was made based on an assessment of market timing and in recognition of the fact that we are a restaurant, not a real estate company," Larry D'Amico, co-owner of D'Amico & Partners said in a release. "The continued evolution of the virtual restaurant trend, with customers turning more to delivery than dining in, made it possible for us to consider this sale."

All employees have been offered positions at other locations within the company. Gift certificates can be redeemed at any other D'Amico restaurant, and Uptown customers will still be able to call the same number (612-374-1858) to order the same food for home or business delivery.