Chef Michael Patrick to open Rizzo’s Diner Friday, September 30

Chef Michael Patrick, who has previously cooked up delicious food at McEwen’s, EP Delta Kitchen, Mesquite Chop House and Itta Bena, has announced the opening of his own restaurant. Rizzo’s Diner will open on Friday, September 30 (September Trolley Night) in the space formerly occupied by Harry’s Detour on G.E. Patterson.

The cuisine will be Southern inspired dining fare, with the Chef’s fine dining twists and interpretations. Lunch will be $6-11 with meat and three options, sandwiches, and healthy salads. Dinner will be elegant diner style cuisine with a $16-22 price point. The restaurant will have homemade desserts, and hopes to have wine and beer permits within the month to come.

Chef Patrick has moved around from restaurant to restaurant quite a bit over the past six years, but he wants to stress that this is different. He is not only the chef, but the OWNER, and he doesn’t plan on going anywhere else for quite some time. He thinks that the combination of the vibrant South Main neighborhood, his reputation, and his excellent food will make this a viable business for years to come.

The Chef noticed that many restaurants in South Main are not open on Mondays, and he often saw people pulling on doors, peering in windows. He wants to stress that Rizzo’s will be open Monday nights. Hours will be lunch 11 to 2:30, dinner 5-10 weeknights and 5-11 Friday-Saturday. The restaurant will be closed Sunday and Monday day.

As for the big hole in the ground next door to Rizzo’s, in the near future it will be filled in. The plan is to eventually offer outdoor dining and live music in this space.

We miss Harry’s but this should be a fantastic addition to South Main! Looking forward to eating many delicious meals there.