Piccolo sets reopening date

Italian restaurant Piccolo is set to reopen this month after a car crash forced its closure five months ago.

The Nixa restaurant at 107 W. Aldersgate Drive, Stes. 1-2, announced in a Facebook post yesterday that Dec. 9 is its expected first day back in business. 

"As soon as we’re confirmed, we’ll start taking reservations," the post reads. "Thanks so much for your patience; we’re excited to see everyone soon."

Piccolo has been closed since late June, when a car ran into the eatery. Owner Steve D'Arpino previously told Springfield Business Journal that insurance from his landlord and the individual driving the vehicle is paying for the damages, which he declined to estimate. 

"It's probably been one of the worst times of my life," D'Arpino told SBJ in July. "Honestly, it's been harder and more stressful than even eight years ago whenever I signed the lease and started the restaurant from ground zero. This has been more difficult dealing with insurance and unemployment offices."

According to past SBJ reporting, D’Arpino opened Piccolo in December 2016. The Italian restaurant's menu includes items such as chicken Parmesan, cheese tortellini, fried lasagna rolls, steak and pizza.