Vallejo waterfront restaurant Zio Fraedo’s to close after city rent increase

VALLEJO — Zio Fraedo’s restaurant on Vallejo’s waterfront will close after Oct. 25, the owners announced in a Facebook post last week. The restaurant's Pleasant Hill location will remain open.

Owners Tony and Sherry LoForte said in the post that the decision to close after “20 incredible years” was not an easy one. “Unfortunately, after extensive discussions, we were unable to come to an agreement with our landlord,” they wrote. “The new monthly rent would far exceed our ability to sustain the restaurant.”

The sprawling Tudor-style building located next to the Municipal Marina is owned by the city. One of a very few upscale restaurants in Vallejo, Zio Fraedo’s serves Italian and continental cuisine and houses a bar, a large, open restaurant with waterfront views, and smaller rooms that can be booked for private gatherings. It has long been a popular site for weddings, anniversaries and other private parties.

But the restaurant reduced their hours several months ago. Previously closed on Mondays and open for lunch at 11:30 a.m., they are now also closed on Tuesdays and open at 4 p.m. 

In response to the Vallejo Sun’s questions about the rent increase, and whether the city has a new tenant or an alternate plan for the site, Vallejo spokesperson Robert Briseño declined to comment on the details of the restaurant’s lease. 

“As stewards of public property, we must also consider the City’s obligations, the responsible management of public resources, and the community’s long-term interests,” Briseño said. “Our focus remains on ensuring that City-owned properties serve the community well.”

Vallejo City Manager Harry Black said in an email, “The City values its longstanding relationship with Zio Fraedo’s and regrets that the restaurant has not been regularly open to the public for several months. We thank the owners for their contributions to the Vallejo Waterfront and the many memories they helped create for our community. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Zio Fraedo’s did not respond to the Vallejo Sun’s requests for an interview. Tony LoForte told SF Gate, “The economics have not been great with tariffs and rising food costs, but ultimately, there’s no way we can make it with the established new rent.” LoForte did not reveal the details of the rent increase.

“Thank you for allowing us to serve you for the past two decades,” The LoFortes’ Facebook post concludes. “It has truly been our honor. While we may be closing the doors to this chapter, the memories will stay with us forever.”