Palermo's No More? Mamma Mia Opening On Magnolia?
We’ve heard a rumor that a long-time Magnolia Avenue eatery, the Italian restaurant Palermo’s just west of College, is closing up shop. This would explain the erratic hours we’ve noticed for the past several weeks. What’s more, we’re also hearing that a replacement is already lined up. Mamma Mia, which opened its first location on Race Street in the Six Points Village neighborhood just northeast of Downtown, is said to be opening a second location in the Palermo’s space on Magnolia.
We’re sad to see Palermo’s go (we always enjoyed their veggie pizza), but it’s good to see that the space will not be dark for long. We’ve eaten at Mamma Mia’s original Six Points location and found it to be a very tasty and reasonably-priced Italian spot, so it should make a great addition to Magnolia’s array of local eateries. Rumor is that Mamma Mia will be opening in “a few weeks,” will be BYOB, and is doing some remodeling in the Palermo’s space.
More on this as things progress – we look forward to trying the new Mamma Mia when it opens (assuming the info is true).
12 Responses to “Palermo's No More? Mamma Mia Opening On Magnolia?”
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Awwww, love Palermo’s. Will be very sad to see it go.
This is good news if true. I never understood how Palermo’s stayed open.
Speaking of Italian places on Magnolia, does Fortworthology have any insight into what is going on with Zio Carlo, the concept that was proposed for the old Gunn’s Cleaners? Someone has recently been doing a lot of work to the building, but there is a for sale sign hanging on the front door. Hmm.
Can we count this as the first chain restaurant (albeit a local chain) to open on Magnolia?
(Spiral Diner doesn’t count since it started here first.)
Mamma Mia’s has good food at a good price – always a welcome addition to a neighborhood.
I have a question about the two recreated Sinclair gas stations: one on Camp Bowie next to Lucille’s and one on McCart south of the railroad tracks. Know anything about these great memorabilia collections or who owns them?
OMG this is terrible news! Palermo’s has been our most frequent dinner stop on Magnolia for years. If they are still open, try the Lobster Ravioli before it’s too late; it’s awesome stuff.
I always enjoyed my food here too, but for some reason it was always dead when I dined here. I’ve been rackin my brain as to why and I think it has to do with the decor and service…honestly I can’t think of another reason. The decor needs to be more inviting and welcoming, something that invites people in and makes them feel comfortable. Same thing with the service, it was always creepy and slow. The food was always awesome though!
I’m not too sad about this, because I really love Mamma Mia!
The restaurant, not the international film songsation featuring the music of Abba.
“A madcap musical romp…fun…good!”
Yes, definitely the restaurant. I have no desire to hear Pierce Brosnan sing.
Just drove by during lunch and there is newspaper all over the windows…
…and a “Closed for Remodeling” sign on the door.
I liked Palermo’s, but I hope Momma Mia breathes a little life into the place. I think the building has so much promise (like the stage in the back room that just begs for live performers) that was never fulfilled under Palermo’s management.
Also… maybe they’ll get Jerry Van Dyke’s trains running again.
Before being Palermo’s it used to be an ice cream and sandwich shop owned by Dick Van Dyke’s brother.
I can comment a little on the new opening of Mamma Mia’s at 1004 West Magnolia, the space that used to be Palermo’s, as i am handling the re-leasing. The restaurant owner just wanted to retire, and the Mamma Mia’s group are young and energetic and motivated. This will definitely not be the first chain business on Magnolia (that distinction may unfortunately be reserved for whatever Comerica Bank does down at the corner of 8th and Magnolia…) The new tenants are hard at work refreshing the rooms very sensitively. Some may be happy to know that the old model train that used to run around the upper walls will be coming back! I believe that Mamma Mia’s doors will be open during Arts Goggle Day Saturday October 3rd for those curious to see the progress!