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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.
A small sign affixed to the restaurant entrance and the removal of the location from its website were the primary indicators 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.
Owner Ray Bartolomucci Jr. told the Pleasanton Weekly he was unavailable Saturday while traveling with family but offered an interview after the holiday weekend.
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.
