BELOVED restaurant chain Bravo Italian Kitchen has closed its doors for good at one of its locations after two decades.
The chain's location in Leawood, Kansas (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri) has been removed from the restaurant's list of sites.
The Johnson County restaurant closed its doors on March 5.
Bravo Italian Kitchen has not released an official statement about the closure.
A phone message for those who call the Leawood restaurant says: "This location is permanently closed."
It has been suggested that the opening of the locally-owned Plate Italiano Moderno just north of Bravo has contributed.
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Nico & Ana's Italian Street Food has also recently opened in Overland Park.
Meanwhile, the Bravo site in Zona Rosa is still open as well as its sister restaurant Brio Italian Grille on the Country Club Plaza.
Restaurants are struggling amid changes in eating habits following the pandemic, which has seen an increase in takeout and delivery services.
The increased cost of food and energy amid high inflation is also compounding the problem.
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The Leawood Bravo opened as Bravo Cucina Italiana in April 2003.
After temporarily closing for the pandemic, it then reopened with its new name under new ownership.
Following its permanent closure, Leawood's Town Center Plaza released a statement.
A spokeswoman for the shopping center said: "As for the permanent closing of Bravo Italian Kitchen, it provides an opportunity to bring new tenants to Town Center Plaza.
"Our leading team is in discussions with potential new tenants to fill the space and we will announce plans when we are able."
Meanwhile, the center is eager to finally welcome a highly-anticipated fitness center.
In the middle of 2020, Chicago-based fitness center, First Ascent Climbing & Fitness announced plans to introduce a facility in the center.
The fitness company has a focus on rock climbing and is moving into a 25,000-square-foot facility in the center.
Unfortunately, the arrival of the pandemic delayed the opening but officials confirmed on Tuesday that it is still set to open there.
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