Restaurant owner says to survive pandemic, relocating and downsizing is necessary

LaMotta’s Italian restaurant is moving after more than 40 years in south Fort Myers.

Despite surviving multiple recessions and a long foreclosure crisis, the economic impacts from the coronavirus pandemic is causing the doors to close.

With that closure will come a new beginning in Cape Coral.

“When we started over there we were the only Italian restaurant … now, there was 12 Italian restaurants and we’re all fighting for the same nickel,” said Carmelo LaMotta, owner of LaMotta’s Italian restaurant and pizzeria.

“It was sad to sit there pull the plug after 41 years because me and my sisters grew up there, I met my wife there, me and my family all grew up there. And like I said, all of our customers are like family,” LaMotta said.

Luckily, LaMotta’s isn’t closing altogether. They’re moving and downsizing a bit, but not closing for good.

With the new Cape Coral location, you’ll still be able to get get the food you love. “We’re seeing more and more people eating out, delivery, curbside, pick up and everything. They don’t feel safe going out to restaurants,” LaMotta explained.

The new location seats about one-third the number of people compared to the Fort Myers location. Some customers are still willing to come in and have a meal in a sit-down restaurant, even now.

LaMotta said the restaurant is planning on having a grand opening by the end of August and encourages everyone to save the date via the restaurant’s Facebook page.

LaMotta said, “Fort Myers lost a restaurant of 41 years and Cape Coral has just gained one for 41 years.”