There was big restaurant news earlier this month. New restaurateur, Joe Milito, has acquired Barra Rossa’s Downingtown location from the Dave Magrogan Group (DMG).
Magrogan is currently focused on expanding his Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar brand throughout the region and beyond, into the northeastern and southern United States. There are currently five Harvest Seasonal Grill locations—Glen Mills, Philadelphia, North Wales and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania and Moorestown in New Jersey.
“We are very happy for Joe and his family, and we are excited for their future with this restaurant. It has been a great property for DMG, and we are confident that Joe and his family will have a lot of success at this beautiful location,” Magrogan says.
With the purchase comes a slight rebrand. The restaurant’s name will change to Milito’s Ristorante-Bar-Pizzeria, but the concept will remain the same. Milito said he plans on making minimal changes to the decor, as he and his family love the look and feel of the restaurant at its current location, which overlooks the Brandywine Creek. The restaurant has 166 seats inside and 78 on the scenic patio.
“Owning a restaurant was something that I always wanted to do,” Milito says. “Through perseverance and patience, we have been blessed with this amazing opportunity to remain a part of such a wonderful community in Downingtown—a place we have called home for the past 12 years.”
As for the menu, it will largely remain the same for the time being. “As a family-owned and-operated Italian restaurant, my main focus will be on quality, presentation and service. We will keep the most popular entrées and appetizers on the menu, and perhaps tweak a few others to create a new enjoyable experience that reflects the overall character of the restaurant, which our customers have grown to love and understand,” he says.
Barra Rossa will operate as-is through Jan. 15. The change in ownership will not impact holiday parties or gift cards, both of which will be honored. The Philadelphia location (929 Walnut St.) will continue to operate normally.
20 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-6000.
