A Jupiter favorite closes its doors

Nick’s Tomatoe Pie, one of Jupiter’s most recognized Italian restaurants, officially closed its doors on July 19 after 25 years of service. Owner Nick Chiantese decided to shut down his beloved restaurant due to declining business and tougher competition from new restaurants popping up around the area.

“I was thinking about closing our restaurant a week or two before. I talked to the managers, and that’s when we decided,” said Chiantese. He went on to say it was hard to compete with other, newer restaurants, especially those built in recent years like the ones at Harbourside Place. “Yes, it was very hard parting ways. We’ve been there for over 25 years. My kids grew up there; costumers became family.”

Although Nick’s Tomatoe Pie has closed on W. Indiantown Rd., the airport location remains open. Chiantese has also opened a new Italian restaurant called Nick and Jonny’s Osteria in Juno Beach. He started the business along with his partner John Zuccarelli on July 16, 2016.

“Nick and Jonny’s is doing very well,” said Chiantese, “better than Nick’s Tomatoe Pie did before closing.”

Chiantese and his partner decided to open Nick and Johnny’s Osteria while Nick’s Tomatoe Pie was still open, and now they’re fully committed to watching the new restaurant succeed. “The food is great, the atmosphere is great. We have a great staff and marvelous costumers that come in. I am very excited.”