Il Gatto: CLOSED

Il Gatto, the Parasole-owned restaurant anchor in Calhoun Square at the corner of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, served its last diner Saturday night.

The restaurant struggled to find its footing after the parent company transformed it about two years ago from its previous incarnation, Figlio, which had operated at the corner since 1984.  

Here are the details on the closing:

Il Gatto opened to mixed reviews, but the company brought in James Beard Award-winning chef Tim McKee to consult on some menu revisions. The overhauled menu was well received, and included bringing back a few of Figlio's greatest hits (like the tortellini in cream sauce),  but the concept never caught on. Il Gatto had changed its menu again as recently as December 13.

The news was announced Sunday morning. The press release stated:

The closing came about because Il Gatto was unable to align the economics of operating the restaurant with the cost of occupying the premises. Parasole restaurants have been a major presence in Uptown for 27 years. "We continue to believe in the viability of the Uptown community," said Kip Clayton, vice president. "Parasole is Uptown's largest restaurant employer and is experiencing strong sales at our other restaurants in the area, including the Uptown Cafeteria, Burger Jones, and Chino Latino."

Il Gatto gift cards will be honored at the company's other restaurants. A complete list of Parasole restaurants can be found at www.parasole.com.