Italian Restaurant Closing After 26 Years In Baltimore County

PARKVILLE, MD — After 26 years in Parkville, Mamma Lucia da Fausto will close its Italian restaurant at the end of the month.

The eatery, located in Perring Plaza at 1991 E. Joppa Road, announced the news "with profound sadness" on Nov. 5.

"We are immensely grateful to all who have dined with us, whether you have been a long-time patron or a recent visitor," Fausto and Luisa Illiano wrote on Facebook. "Your unwavering support and loyalty have been the cornerstone of our success, and we are truly honored to have been part of your most significant life events, from birthdays and graduations to first dates and celebrations of life."

The duo also urged customers to "stay tuned" for "a potential new restaurant opening soon" and "exciting times ahead."

The Baltimore Sun reported that Fausto Illiano moved from southern Italy to the U.S. in 1983 and bought the restaurant in 1998. The business is not affiliated with Maryland's other Mamma Lucia eateries, The Sun said.

"Serving this community has been a privilege, and we sincerely hope that the spirit of togetherness continues to flourish," the Illianos wrote. "With our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes, we encourage you to stay safe and care for one another. You will all be greatly missed."

Mamma Lucia da Fausto had "all the atmosphere of a strip-mall pizza parlor" with its "bright lights, tile floors and counter service," a Sun critic said in a 2005 review. The Sun said the menu featured affordable Italian-American favorites like pizza, shrimp scampi and cannolis. The veal and chicken dishes were other staples.

The eatery also extended its "heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff, both past and present, whose contributions have been vital in creating countless cherished experiences for our guests throughout the years."

Customer Patrick Chachulski said Mamma Lucia da Fausto felt like "visiting a family member's house."

"Their hospitality & warmth was unparalleled by any other establishment," Chachulski said on Facebook. "The countless family gatherings for a special occasion or just a regular drop-in or carry-out were never routine. On top of all this, the food was magnificent!"