Brio Italian Grille Shuts Doors at Raleigh Mall After 15 Years
For anyone who has spent time at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, Brio Italian Grille was more than just another restaurant—it was a go-to spot for pasta, steaks, and Tuscan-style comfort food. But after more than 15 years of service, the lights at this Brio location have been switched off for good. The closure came suddenly and permanently, leaving loyal customers surprised and a little disappointed.
The decision wasn’t unique to Raleigh. Brio Italian Grille, part of a wider Italian restaurant chain, has been trimming down its presence in malls across the country. The company confirmed that the Raleigh closure leaves just one Brio left in North Carolina, tucked inside Harrah’s Casino Resort in Cherokee.
Behind the scenes, the company has been facing serious financial strain. Brio Restaurants LLC, which also owns Bravo Cucina Italiana, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida. This move, as the company explained, was aimed at reorganizing its business for long-term survival. That means cutting back on underperforming locations, restructuring debt, and trying to slim down operational expenses.
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But the challenges haven’t only come from the company itself. Broader economic pressures have taken a heavy toll. Inflation has been driving up food and labor costs. At the same time, shoppers have been spending less on dining out, especially in malls where empty storefronts and declining foot traffic have become all too common. It’s not just Brio—other casual dining chains have been hit just as hard, with many also turning to bankruptcy as a way to restructure.
For Brio, this isn’t even the first time. The company had filed for bankruptcy once before, back in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry worldwide. That was a tough blow, but it seems the financial wounds never fully healed.
And Raleigh isn’t alone in saying goodbye. Brio Italian Grille has recently closed other locations too, including restaurants at The Greene in Beavercreek and Christiana Mall, both of which had been long-standing fixtures in their communities. Signs at the closed doors thank patrons for their support, but the message is clear: Brio is retreating from spaces where it once thrived.
Brio is part of Earl Enterprises, the Orlando-based company also known for owning Buca di Beppo, Planet Hollywood, and Earl of Sandwich. Under Earl Enterprises, Brio has always positioned itself as a Tuscan-inspired escape—serving steaks, homemade pastas, seafood, and wines in an atmosphere designed to feel like a rustic Italian villa. For many, it wasn’t just about the food; it was about gathering with family, friends, and co-workers in a warm and lively setting.
But now, with just 31 Brio locations remaining nationwide as of late 2024, the brand’s footprint is much smaller than it once was. The closure in Raleigh marks not only the end of a local favorite but also a reflection of how tough the dining landscape has become for mid-sized, sit-down restaurant chains.
For longtime fans of Brio at Crabtree Valley Mall, the memories of meals shared there may remain—but the tables will stay empty.
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