Nino's Family Restaurant was a fixture on Main Street in Cape May Court House. (Courtesy of Nino's Family Restaurant Facebook page)
Many of the customer reviews online for Nino’s Family Restaurant gushed about the large portions that would never leave anyone hungry.
But after 30 years, the family-owned Italian eatery known for serving generous platefuls of pasta, seafood, steaks and veal has closed its doors in Cape May Court House.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that we have been forced to close our business,” Nino’s announced Friday on its Facebook page. “Despite our best efforts, ongoing financial challenges and falling behind on taxes made it impossible for us to continue operating. As a family-owned business, this was not an easy decision, and it is one we fought hard to avoid.”
News of the closing was accompanied by a large number of sad reactions online from Nino’s customers.
“I could go there for dinner, and eat the leftovers for a week. The portions were enormous! Sad to see them go,” Brian Kirkpatrick wrote on Facebook.
“No!!!! This is me and my wife’s #1 favorite restaurant at the shore … I am truly sad at this terrible news,” wrote another Nino’s customer, Jeff Trimm, in comments that echoed other Facebook posters.
Nino’s was a landmark at 16 S. Main Street in the heart of downtown Cape May Court House.
The business was started by Antonio “Nino” Malusa, an immigrant from Grado, Italy, according to the restaurant’s website. His son, and head chef, Anthony, operated the restaurant after Nino’s death in 2021.
“For over 30 years, this business was more than just a job – it was our livelihood, our pride, and our way of serving the community we love," the family said on Facebook. “After our father, Nino, passed away, we continued the business he built, and we hope we honored and upheld his legacy as best as we could.”
At the same time, the family expressed gratitude to the loyal customers who patronized Nino’s for so many years.
“We are incredibly grateful to every customer who supported us, believed in us, and allowed us to be part of your lives. Your loyalty, kindness, and trust meant more to us than we can ever fully express. Thank you for the memories, the support, and the years of standing by us. We will always be deeply thankful,” The family said.
With the closing also came Facebook questions from concerned restaurant customers about how they would be able to get their money back for gift certificates bought before Nino’s went out of business.
In response, Nino’s said that it was aware of their concerns and was working on a solution, including the possibility of reopening the restaurant.
“We ask for grace and patience in this time of an unexpected closing by the state during operation hours. We are actively working hard to get our doors open again or give back to the community that is owed,” the family said.
