The official transition from Bella Coast to Touch of Italy took place on Friday, September 21st when the menu, signeage and concept shifted to the successful Touch of Italy paradigm.
After more than a year of discussion and negotiation, Bob Ciprietti's Touch of Italy will touch the Wilmington area with the purchase of Bella Coast Restaurant from the Big Fish Restaurant Group. Eric and Norman Sugrue shine in the seafood department, with four Big Fish Grill locations, Salt Air, Summer House, Stingray, Washington Street Ale House, Mikimoto's and The Crab House. They also supply fresh, high-quality seafood to many local restaurants through their Big Fish Wholesale Market.
But the Italian concept never really took off the way they wanted it to, and they were open to negotiation when successful Italian restaurateur Ciprietti offered to bring his Bronx-born Touch of Italy concept to the attractive venue that was Bella Coast. Located at 2530 Concord Pike next door to Wilmington's iconic Charcoal Pit, the eatery is in a popular and affluent area where you can't throw a meatball without hitting a restaurant.
I didn’t think Big Fish would last too long, this venture included the Capano’s, they owned the building. TOI is in a tough class and with a bunch of pro’s.
Can’t wait to try it next time we’re up there! The restaurant is 5 minutes from my daughter’s house.