Iconic downtown Indy restaurant to close

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A restaurant nearing close to 100 years in business is planning to close its doors soon.

After being in business for 82 years, the Milano Inn plans to close on New Year’s Eve.

Opened in 1934 by Mary and Joe Modaffari, the Milano Inn specialized in Italian fare including spaghetti and meatballs, manicotti and pizza.

The restaurant was later saved by the LaGrotte family after the passing of Mary and Joe in the 1980s.

Tina Lagrotte released a statement in a release:

“As many know, the restaurant business is all consuming and with personal changes going on in our lives, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the business and sell. Growing up in the restaurant as a family affair, the Milano Inn will always be a huge part of who we are and who we have become, but it is time for us to now fully embrace the next chapter in our lives. We want to thank our regular customers and our loyal employees who are family to us, and to all others who have made the Milano Inn more than a restaurant, but an Indianapolis landmark with a can’t-miss dining experience.”

Lagrotte encourages fellow restaurateurs to contact her at the restaurant if they are seeking employees.