The Vescio family has served pasta and pizza to Dinkytown residents for more than 60 years.

On Sunday, the family-owned Vescio’s Italian Restaurantannounced it would close its doors in March. The campus staple, owned by the three Vescio brothers, is known for serving generations of University of Minnesota students with Italian cuisine. 

“We just decided that the time has come. We’re ready to leave and spend more time fishing,” owner Frank Vescio said. 

Vescio, 75, said he’s ready to enjoy retirement with his brothers. They plan on staying in Minnesota, where they were all born and raised. 

“We have more family coming up behind us, but they’re all going to school and don’t want to be in the restaurant business,” he said.

Vescio said the family has been ready to close their restaurant for a while, and were actively looking to sell it.

The new tenant of Vescio’s longtime home will be a Chinese restaurant, according to Vescio.

“We’re really hoping to see more local businesses set up shop here. It seems like corporations are really taking over [Dinkytown], so I’m hopeful that more local businesses will come in,” he said.

Vescio said parting with longtime customers and employees will be one of the hardest parts of leaving Dinkytown. 

“We’ve had some really good employees work for us, and we’re helping them find jobs in other places,” he said. 

Vescio has already reached out to local restaurants in search of new positions for his current employees.

“The employees were sad to hear the news, but I think they understand it’s time. Now, hopefully the spot will be the new home for another locally-owned business,” Vescio said.