Mario’s Sold – New Owners of Mario’s Will Keep Restaurant And Recipes Alive

Update 2/17/22 - Mario's is now open under new ownership. I had dinner there last night, and am happy to tell you it was delicious as ever. The baked fish is my favorite, and the pasta was perfection. Congrats to Tim and Lori Lanphear, and of course the awesome staff at Mario's. Here's to many more years of Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria.

It is the end of an era - sort of. Mario's Restaurant and Pizzeria on Fenton Road in Flint has been sold. After 59 years in business, brothers Frank and Sergio Simoni will be hanging up their aprons to enjoy retirement.

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I addressed the rumor about Mario's closing last year, and that is when I found out the popular Italian restaurant was for sale - but luckily not closing.

Fast forward to 2022 and a deal has been done. The good news is the new owners and Grand Blanc residents Tim and Lori Lanphear, know the importance of keeping Mario's tradition alive - from the decor to the food. As a matter of fact, Frank and Sergio will be staying on for a few weeks once Tim and Lori take things over. As far as the current staff goes, they will be staying on too. I love that, I cannot imagine going into Mario's and not seeing my favorite server, Joyce.

I would like to say thank you to the Simoni family for many years of memories. From birthday celebrations to Christmas parties and dinners just because it's so damn good - Mario's has been a big part of my life and for so many others. I remember being so excited as a kid when my parents took me and my sisters to Mario's.

Please be sure to stop in soon to Mario's to show your love and appreciation to the Simoni family and staff by Monday, February 14th. The restaurant will be closed on Tuesday, February 15th, and reopening under the Lanphears on Wednesday, February 16th.

Congratulations are in order for Tim and Lori Lanphear as well, I am looking forward to many more meals and celebrations at Mario's. Cheers to new beginnings for your family and the Simoni family.

I found some pictures on my phone of some of my favorite meals at Mario's, you can see them below.