Papalucci’s, the Italian-American restaurant on the westernmost edge of Belmont Shore’s stretch of shopping and food along Second Street, will be serving its final plates of garlic knots and Henry’s special shrimp come Sept. 30.

Owner Dan Tarrantine made the announcement via Facebook:

Papalucci’s—much like Francelli’s on Fourth Street—is the type of space that marked the presence of Italian-American families in local food: red-and-white checkered table cloths, an open kitchen and fare that fused Italian cuisine with American sensibilities that was imported largely from the East Coast.

Tarrantine first opened the doors in March of 1990, following the success of his pizzeria, Tarantino’s in Pasadena.

Upon opening, Tarrantine described Papalucci’s thusly: “Because food—simply prepared and shared with family and friends—is one of the most basic and satisfying pleasures in life. All that’s needed is a warm heart, a keen eye for the best ingredients and a sense of adventure to lead you to a place at our table.”

According to Dede Rossi of the Belmont Shore Business Association, Tarrantine is retiring while focusing on his health.

Papalucci’s is at 4611 E. Second St.

Brian Addison is a columnist and editor for the Long Beach Post. Reach him at [email protected] or on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.