UPDATE: City Says Italian Restaurant Massimo Will Replace Captain Nemo's

An Italian restaurant owned by a couple with deep ties to University Place will replace Captain Nemo's, which closed over the weekend after three decades in the community.

Mariza Craig, UP's deputy city manager for community and economic development, confirmed to Patch on Tuesday that the city received an application for an Italian restaurant to open in Captain Nemo's former space on Bridgeport Way West.

"They're definitely moving in here," said Craig, although she didn't indicate when the new restaurant would open.

The owners of the future restaurant, Massimo and Cindy Terracciano, used to own a similar restaurant in Gig Harbor before locating to a larger, waterfront location on the Purdy spit. Today, Massimo Italian Bar and Grill  is popular among locals on the other side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

They also live in University Place, Craig said. A worker at their restaurant said they no longer live in UP but have family who do.

The couple weren't at the Purdy restaurant when contacted by Patch on Tuesday.

Either way, the couple has long eyed University Place for a future location, and they even were talking with a former developer of the city's Town Center project, Craig said.

"They've been looking here for a long time," she said.

The thought of another Italian restaurant along Bridgeport Way West might seem like Deja vu for longtime University Place residents, who remember when Mama Stortini's used to operate along Bridgeport before moving as the city developed Town Center.

"People are really interested," in another Italian restaurant, Craig said.

As for Captain Nemo's, its closure marked an abrupt end to a history that began in University Place more than three decades ago. It's been a UP staple since 1978.

On Tuesday, the restaurant's illuminated street sign that once greeted passers-by was empty, taken down sometime over the weekend. Movers could be seen inside, and a giant trash bin blocked the front entrance.

Taped to the restaurant's doors were signs that inform former employees where to pick up their final paychecks.

"To all our great patrons and employees," the sign read.  "Thank you for 33 and 1/2 of great fun and happiness in this community. We will miss you."

"Thank you, Captain Nemo's" it ended.

A message left by Patch at Hogan Enterprises, which owns the building, wasn't returned Tuesday.

Craig said the loss of Captain Nemo's is difficult, but UP can look forward to a new dining offering.

"It's unfortunate whenever a business, especially one that's as beloved and as a part of the community as that is closing its doors," she said.

"But at the same time, we are able to expand dining options for residents, so that's exciting."