Mattapoisett’s Rustico Restaurant Under Agreement

There has been some movement in Mattapoisett in the quest to get Rustico a buyer.

The popular Route 6 restaurant has spent the past six months closed up and looking for new ownership. While there have been a few nibbles, there's been nothing significant to report until now.  Rustico is under agreement.

READ MORE: Mattapoisett's Rustico Closing Its Doors

A Look Back at Rustico’s Journey

The Rustico concept was originally formed by Al Menno, who initially launched the brand as an artisan pizza shop in 2018. A year later, Menino did something no other restaurant in Mattapoisett was doing: he started delivering pizza.

Menino then expanded Rustico's menu and transformed it into a sit-down dining experience. The restaurant was booming. Things were peaking for Menino when the pandemic hit and crushed Rustico's momentum.

A Change in Ownership

Rustico changed hands in the summer of 2022 when the owners of Pub 6T5, Jessica Moore and Chad Thadeu, took over. Unfortunately, the restaurant never fully recovered its pre-pandemic glory.

In an October Facebook post, the restaurant said that even though its staff and ownership had a passion for serving up exceptional food and drinks, "the current economic challenges have made it unfeasible for us to continue operating."

The restaurant also announced that it was officially for sale, noting there would be an opportunity for a partnership or an outright sale.

Rustico Under Agreement

While the selling agent, Bold Real Estate, was not at liberty to say much, realtor Patricia McArdle did confirm that the restaurant is "under agreement." She stressed that the deal is heavy on contingencies.

“The whole deal could fall apart. It is very much day-to-day,” McArdle said.

A Fresh Start on the Horizon?

The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether or not Rustico will remain a restaurant. There was some concern in the Tri-Town community that the property might be developed into housing.

That is not the goal with these buyers. The strategy is to keep Rustico a restaurant; however, it is unlikely the restaurant will continue under the Rustico name.

“They have a different plan,” McArdle said.

Is There a Closing Date?

There is a closing date, however it is unlikely the parties will be ready for it. Look for a date closer to the end of June or early July.