Frank Ferrara said he and his partners have decided to look elsewhere in the metro-east to rebuild. As recently as January, Ferrara had said he and his partners planned to rebuild at 6570 N. Illinois St. after a blaze destroyed their restaurant on the night of Feb. 9, 2007.
On Monday, he said they decided to part ways with CBL & Associates Properties Inc., which owns St. Clair Square and the property.
"I think it was time for both of us to move on," Ferrara said.
He said those interested in his business have been calling him, but wouldn't say where they were from.
"My phone's ringing off the hook," he said. "We're looking around. We feel we can find something somewhere. We just have to find the right place."
Mall marketing director Jodi Zimmerman said the restaurant had operated at the spot since July 1984. She said the owners had pulled out within the last few weeks.
"They just changed their plans," Zimmerman said. "At one time, we thought they were going to rebuild, but it's up for lease."
Ferrara and his partners, John DiMartino, Sam Garanzini and his father Frank Ferrara Sr., also own Pasta House Co. restaurants at 1097 South State 157 in Edwardsville and in Osage Beach, Mo. They also operated another at 318 Washington St. in downtown Belleville until 2003, when they closed it.
Contact reporter Will Buss at wbuss@bnd.com or 345-7822, ext. 24.
