Century-Old Brooklyn Restaurant Set To Reopen Under New Name: Report

BROOKLYN, NYC — After more than a century of serving classic Sicilian fare, the 121-year-old Ferdinando’s Focacceria in Brooklyn is being revitalized, offering a fresh twist on one of New York City's oldest Italian restaurants.

Located at 151 Union Street near Hicks Street in Carroll Gardens, Ferdinando’s Focacceria closed in February, leaving many surprised and nostalgic for its traditional Italian dishes, comforting family-owned atmosphere, and house-made focaccia.

However, the closure may be short-lived. As Eater reported, local restaurateur Sal Lamboglia has been appointed to take over the Italian institution and will bring a new name to the Carroll Gardens storefront.

Lamboglia, chef and owner of the popular Brooklyn restaurants Café Spaghetti, Swoony’s, and Sal Tang’s, was reportedly "hand-picked" by former owner Francesco "Frank" Buffa to lead the new concept.

A spokesperson told Eater that under Lamboglia's leadership, the restaurant will no longer be a traditional focacceria, but rather a reimagined concept that will honor Ferdinando’s through both its space and name.

No official announcement has been made regarding the opening date or the new restaurant's vision.

Ferdinando’s originally opened in 1904 as a lunch counter serving fried chickpea and beef spleen sandwiches with ricotta and caciocavallo cheese to Italian-American longshoremen at the Brooklyn waterfront.

The restaurant, best known for its panelle sandwiches and arancini, closed abruptly with a message from management on social media.

“It was a decision that was both difficult and painful. But nonetheless necessary,” according to the caption. “Rendering a 121-year institution such as ours a fond memory cannot come without a mix of emotions. Fading into the Red Hook sunset quietly, without fanfare, was felt to be a proper and discreet finish.”