Sept. 1, 2020

Spezia’s temporary closure in Sioux Falls is now a permanent one.

The restaurant at 4801 S. Louise Ave. will not be reopening, owner Dave Thompson said.

Thompson founded the longtime Sioux Falls mainstay in 1994 at the Park Ridge Galleria at 26th Street and Western Avenue. It later moved to the Beakon Centre at 57th Street and Louise Avenue.

The restaurant closed in March as the pandemic began, and Thompson said he doesn’t think the market has recovered enough for him to feel comfortable signing a new lease for the restaurant.

“After 25 years, this is a loss for me personally and for the Sioux Falls dining public,” Thompson said.

“A huge thank you to Sioux Falls and the surrounding towns for years of friendship and support. Spezia in Omaha is still open if you are in the city.”

Thompson said more information on how gift cards for Spezia in Sioux Falls can be used will be shared later this month. In the meantime, they will be honored at the Omaha location.