Caruso’s Italian Restaurant — one of Arizona’s oldest continuously operating family-owned Italian restaurants — is temporarily closed for building repairs.
The building, which is 104 years old and has been Caruso’s spot since the 1930s, took quite a hit from a microburst storm earlier this month. So, after identifying some “structural irregularities,” management decided to shut the restaurant’s doors for a bit.
“The safety and comfort of our staff and customers is our top priority,” said Sal Zagona, President of Caruso’s. “The temporary closure will allow for comprehensive evaluations and necessary repairs to ensure the safety and integrity of the building. Nothing is more important than the safety and comfort of our staff and customers.”
Hang tight, though — it’s said that the repairs shouldn’t take too much time.
“We struggle to find words strong enough to adequately express our gratitude for our loyal customers and staff,” said Ande Motzkin, Vice President of Caruso’s.
Nicasio (Caruso) Zagona opened the restaurant nearly 100 years ago. The interior layout, inviting patio, and many of its food preparation techniques were crafted by Nicasio. Sure, some aspects have been updated over the years, but the family has carefully preserved the restaurant’s original culinary traditions and ambiance.
This isn’t the first storm to put a damper on things.
In February 2023, a big gust of wind knocked down the iconic neon sign. Then, the fine folks at Ignite Sign Art Museum and Cook & Co. Signmakers restored the sign and propped it back up where it was intended to be in April 2024.
Stay tuned for a reopening date.
Caruso’s Italian Restaurant is located at 434 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, visit carusositalian.com and follow Caruso’s on Instagram.
