Lido's Ristorante in Spfld to close after 62 years

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As 22News first reported Friday night, Springfield's landmark Lido's Restaurant is closing this weekend.

Lido's had been a fixture for more than 60 years in the heart of the city.

Salvatore Scibelli has owned Salvatore's Restaurant on Boston Road in Springfield for 36 years.

He's sad to see Lido's close its doors, but this long time restaurant owner understands what's happening, right in his own backyard.

“There are seven restaurants right here, seven restaurants right here in the couple of block area.”

These are chain restaurants which Scibelli believes endangers the very existence of the some so  called mom and pop restaurants in the Springfield area.

He told 22News, a lot of people have misconceptions about choosing a restaurant like his over a restaurant that's part of a chain.

Salvatore Scibelli say he's proud that people realize that's one of the major differences between type of restaurant and his competitors with the familiar names.

He's sure that the lounge and banquet business will help his restaurant over this economic hurdle that still persists in the Springfield area.

It's owners pointed to a tough economy as one reason they've become part of the cities restaurant history.