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Sitting on the edge of downtown Athens on E. Broad Street, the eatery has long been a highly-visited spot for residents and college students alike.
ATHENS, Ga. — One of the most recognizable eateries in downtown Athens is set to close its doors after a remarkable 38 years in business.
Sitting on the edge of downtown Athens on E. Broad Street, DePalma’s Italian Cafe has long been a highly-visited spot for residents and college students alike in the downtown restaurant scene.
Owner Dave Cappi announced on Facebook that he will close his downtown restaurant on Feb. 27. In a heartfelt message to customers, Cappi reflected on the personal and professional journey that began when he was fresh out of engineering school.
“Running my restaurant in Downtown Athens for these last 38 years can only be described as one of the more profound experiences of my life behind marriage, children and building a family,” he wrote.
Cappi said the restaurant shaped not only his career, but his life. It’s where he met his wife and began what he described as their “still strong & wonderful tour of existence together.” Over time, he said, the experience transformed him from someone who believed “only numbers mattered” into someone who understood that “the people, the conversations, and the connections in life were the real gift to us all.”
Calling this transition a new “season,” Cappi said he is ready to slow down and spend more time with family — including two grandsons who are on the way.
“It is now my season to slow things down; to simplify, to step back and to watch, listen and marinate in all that is beautiful and gifted to us as humans,” he wrote.
The downtown space will not stay empty for long. Cappi said he is handing the restaurant over to two local business owners, Daniel and Brandon, who plan to open a new concept called Pompeii in March. He said he believes they are the right fit to carry on the spirit of an independent, locally owned establishment — and noted that they have offered to retain his entire staff.
“I could not have asked for a better fit to continue the course there,” he wrote.
While he is closing the downtown chapter, Cappi said he is not retiring entirely. He plans to continue working with his other two DePalma’s restaurants on the Eastside and on Timothy Road.
“So raise a glass with me to thank all that was and to all that will be,” he wrote. “See you there.”
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