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Rigatoni’s, a mainstay of the Dublin culinary scene for nearly 30 years, quietly shuttered this week – the latest scaling back for the Italian restaurant group that once boasted three brand names known in the Tri-Valley and beyond.
Expressing gratitude to the Dublin community, owner Ray Bartolomucci Jr. told the Pleasanton Weekly that the decision “was not taken lightly” but it was the right one for the group that operates now four Rigatoni’s and Strizzi’s restaurants in the East Bay.
“It was decided by our senior team to focus more in the near future on our other restaurants and to explore other business opportunities in the greater Bay Area,” Bartolomucci said Sunday. “We have been so grateful beyond words to our Dublin guests that made Rigatoni’s feel like home for over 27 years!”
A small sign affixed to the restaurant entrance and the removal of the location from its website were the primary indicators late in the week that Rigatoni’s had permanently closed in the building with a familiar brick facade prominently located along Dublin Boulevard just before the Interstate 680 underpass.
“We want to express our sincerest thanks for your support over these past 27 years here in Dublin,” the sign stated. “Please know that while we are no longer located here in Dublin, you can continue to dine with us or order take-out and party pans at any of our other locations.”
The notice also referred customers to the group’s remaining restaurants – Rigatoni’s in Castro Valley, and Strizzi’s in downtown Pleasanton, downtown Livermore and downtown Fremont.
“We are deeply blessed and thankful to our Dublin team, many of whom have been with us for years. We are excited to announce that our Dublin employees have taken positions at both Strizzis in downtown Pleasanton, Livermore and our Rigatoni’s in Castro Valley,” Bartolomucci said.
Billed a “Fresh Italian Grill”, Rigatoni’s was created as a fast-casual alternative to the more formal dining experience at its sister Strizzi’s, which was born first with an original location in San Leandro that opened in 1986 and closed in 2005. Strizzi’s is set to celebrate its 37th anniversary on Main Street in Pleasanton next month.
The Rigatoni’s concept debuted first in Castro Valley before locations came to Dublin and then Hayward. The restaurant on Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward closed earlier this year, according to reviews on Yelp.
The restaurant group also operated Rigatoni’s Red Smoke Grill on Hopyard Road in Hacienda in Pleasanton that shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bartolomucci assured customers that the future of the remaining restaurants is strong.
“Strizzis is not going anywhere,” he said. “In fact, we are celebrating 40 years in October since we opened our first Strizzis Restaurant in downtown San Leandro. We are looking forward in welcoming our Dublin guests and the Dublin community in celebration of our 40 years at Strizzis in Pleasanton! You can still enjoy all your favorite dishes at Strizzis with the exact same recipes as Rigatoni’s!!”
Ray Bartolomucci Jr. is an exceptional business leader. I’m sure the decision to close wasn’t an easy one. Glad to know the Strizzi’s trio of restaurants is doing well. I think I’ll take my family to the downtown Pleasanton location this weekend.