Why Did Angelo And Vinci’s Close? Fullerton’s Beloved Italian Landmark Bids Farewell

For over half a century, Angelo and Vinci’s Ristorante has stood as a local landmark in Fullerton, California, but in August 2023 ‘why did Angelo and Vinci’s close’ became a question asked throughout the community. The energetic restaurant known for its Italian flair and uncommon decor closed its doors forever; only memories and a strong current of nostalgia prevailed behind it.

A Family-Run Gem in Fullerton’s Heart

In the early 1970s, Angelo’s & Vinci’s started as a small Italian café by Steven Peck, an actor and dancer. Originally opened to serve his students, after they learned how to prepare Sicilian recipes served at his place, it later became a full-service restaurant.

• Family Legacy: Steven ran the restaurant with his wife, Cynthia, for 22 years until he passed away in 2005, and Cynthia continued for 18 more years.

The Heartbreaking Decision to Close

Other factors contributed, but the most important one was that after 40 years of service, Cynthia Peck decided to retire. This choice, although difficult, represents a lifelong quest for her.

• Cynthia’s Journey: She became the heart and soul behind running operations, right from customer-facing to behind-the-scenes processes.
• Final Days Frenzy: Finally, during the last days, there were mobs of people lining up to get a last meal from the restaurant.

A Historic Building with a Storied Past

Originally, it was an L-shaped marketplace and later became Fullerton’s orchard community, which it continued to be over many years.

• Early Uses: Not only was it at one time an added used bookstore, but also a liquor store and motorcycle repair shop.
• 1992 Transformation: Upon Angelo’s movement in, the entire building underwent reconfiguration into a square of expansion three stories high with excavations extending to a new basement.

Iconic Decor That Told a Story

Providing the guest not only with food but also with the possibility of enjoying a performance has turned the place into a haven for all sorts of crowds, whatever their age.

• Unique Elements: Year-round Christmas tree, Sicilian marionettes, carnival masks, murals of Venice. Two acrobats are installed with a scissor lift from the ceiling, and the “Monster Wine Cellar” in the basement features King Kong and other spooky figures a la Fox Theatre roots.

The Fox Block Redevelopment Project

Angelo’s & Vinci’s has a direct involvement in the Fox Block redevelopment, meant to bring back downtown Fullerton. Led by Frontier Real Estate, this is an effort to make that place lively.

• Project Timeline: The Fullerton City Council sat down with Frontier around 2021, and construction is set to kick off in the middle of 2024, then wrap up toward the end of 2025.
• Development Scope: The Fox Block is going to have eating places, retail stores, a place where beer is made, and an outside spot for food with live fun.

Preserving the Spirit of Angelo’s

Though the doors of Angelo’s & Vinci’s close, the building does not meet demolition. In the Fox Block plan, ensure the outer walls and footprint of the structure stay intact.

• Building 2 Plans: The remodeled Angelo’s building will feature five small eateries plus two sit-down restaurants downstairs, with a lounge and balcony upstairs.
• Community Assurance: Frontier’s Tom Carpenter promised that the “spirit” of the building would remain, with not much change happening to its exterior.

A Cultural Cornerstone of Fullerton

Angelo’s & Vinci’s was not just a restaurant. It was a cultural center where families from different generations could celebrate various important events. Whether weddings, family dinners for special occasions, it’s a celebration that always turns into a memory.

• Community Events: They had rehearsal dinners, band award events, and holiday traditions at their restaurant.
• Quirk Appeal: Their quirky decor, such as the Monster Wine Cellar, amused children and adults alike, cementing it as a Fullerton staple.

Community Response to the Closure

People mourned the closing of Angelo and Vinci’s, and for that, many flocked to the restaurant in its final weeks, sharing heartfelt stories. “It’s like an end to an era,” read one typical post from a customer, who thanked the Pecks for making them feel like family.

• Lasting Impression: And that’s a sum many expressed sadness, but also appreciated the memories created over 52 years.

The Fox Block’s Promise and Challenges

Justin, an Ellis Place homeowner, expressed these concerns for a reason. There will be rowdy noise and traffic jams on Ellis Place, which has been closed off from Harbor Blvd.

• As we contemplate the balance between progress and preservation, modern amenities are assured by the project, but it has to assuage community fears about losing Fullerton’s unique character.

A Nod to the Fox Theatre

The Fox Block project will go hand in hand with the painstaking restoration of the historic Fox Theatre, which will only reopen come May 2025, on its centennial. Angelo’s & Vinci’s used to be a café in the theatre and shared much cultural significance. The Fox Theatre Foundation backs the redevelopment because it thinks it’ll really boost the cultural vibe in the area.

Looking Ahead: Fullerton’s Future

Fullerton readies for the Fox Block, progress carefully calibrated with the preservation of its soul. New dining and entertainment do emerge, but Angelo’s & Vinci’s irreplaceable quaintness lies yearning in the back pocket of this community’s collective heart. A place that will have something going on for everybody. Also addressing a need for places where kids can hang out when they’re downtown. The project is trying to respect history by keeping Angelo’s buildings outside.

Final Thoughts

The question of why Angelo and Vinci’s close is answered by Cynthia Peck’s well-earned retirement and the transformative Fox Block redevelopment. Thus, while the restaurant’s closing would seem to end a 52-year legacy, its spirit remains in Fullerton’s consciousness and the preserved walls of its historic host. Do you have an Angelo’s & Vinci’s story? Share your best ‘whopper’ in the comments section or pop into Fullerton and check out the changing downtown scene.

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