Bruno’s listed for sale

Downtown staple Bruno's Italian Restaurant has been listed on the market as its owner seeks retirement.

Owner Bruno Gargiulo this morning said the listing — marketed through Wilhoit Properties Inc. — was posted with the intention of selling both the downtown restaurant and building at 416 South Ave.

“It’s time to retire,” said Gargiulo, a restaurateur with some 40 years of experience in the industry.

Bruno's and its 4,451-square-foot home — comprising two floors and a basement — are listed for sale at $894,000. Gargiulo owns the building through Bru Me Da Ma LLC, according to Greene County assessor and Missouri secretary of state records.

Gargiulo opened the Italian restaurant and wine bar in January 2003. The Italian-born restaurateur previously operated establishments in Sweden, London and Italy, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Located south of the intersection of South Avenue and Walnut, across the street from the former Bistro Market, Bruno’s menu includes a variety of pizza and pasta dishes.

Prior to Gargiulo’s purchase of the South Avenue building, Reliable Rubber Stamp Service Inc. had operated there for more than 50 years. Reliable Rubber Stamp relocated to South Glenstone Avenue in May 2003, according to SBJ archives.