Solo may be closing, but owner/chef to stay in restaurant industry

The last day of business for popular downtown Sault eatery Solo Trattoria, as reported earlier will be Jan. 31.

But Solo owner/chef Chris Lepore, who announced he has decided to make a career change in 2020, is still going to be in the restaurant business.

“I’m going up to Quattro. I’m going to be a sous-chef at Quattro Vinotecca,” Lepore told SooToday Thursday.

“Business (at Solo Trattoria) has been great. I can’t complain. I’ve got great customers (but) it’s time for a change. I’m self-employed but I’ve been getting overwhelmed a bit over the last year or so, so I figured it was time to make a change,” said Lepore, a 43-year-old married father of two.

Lepore opened Solo Trattoria at 250 Queen St. E. in July 2007, expanding in 2010 by purchasing the building next door and opening a 64-seat banquet room as well as a second storey apartment space.

The Solo Trattoria building is owned by Lepore and went up for sale Monday.

“It’s been very emotional,” Lepore said.

“I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls and people congratulating me and saying they’re going to miss me. It’s going to be tough but it’s a move I have to make...so I’ve decided to join a team with a good reputation at Quattro and I’m looking forward to joining their team and sharing my talents with them.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing my customers come up there,” Lepore said.

Meanwhile, until Jan. 31, Solo Trattoria remains open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Customers who have gift certificates for Solo Trattoria are encouraged to use them before the restaurant permanently closes Jan. 31. Reservations can be made by phoning the restaurant and speaking with a hostess at (705) 254-7656. Unused gift certificates cannot be redeemed for monetary value and will not be accepted beyond Jan. 31.