After 36 years manning the kitchen at 1833 Tyler Street, Conca D'Oro Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria owner Dominico DeLuca has just one thing to say. "Thank you Hollywood," DeLuca said in between taking orders and working the range. "This city has played a wonderful host."
Conca D'Oro has played as much of a host to the people of Hollywood since DeLuca opened those doors at the age of 26 in 1966. That decade saw Hollywood's population jump from around 40,000 in 1960 to over 100,000 in 1970. Along with the population burst came plenty of businesses, but few have had the good fortune of maintaining a sustainable venture since those days.
DeLuca relied on a steady flow of loyal locals to keep the restaurant open, but now the struggling economy has forced DeLuca to
explore other options. Already sold to a PNC bank, DeLuca will close Conca D'Oro's doors on June 2 and move two chefs, a 16-year pizza cook, and the menu to Conca D'oro Pizza & Pasta in Dania.
"Bittersweet," DeLuca said of his feelings about the closing. "On one hand, we leave Hollywood and this memorable location. But I am fortunate to have left on my own terms."
DeLuca will take over the Dania location from his son, Francis, a lawyer who has been practicing in Hollywood since 1990. That will give Francis more time to spend with his 2-year-old son. The lease with PNC has been negotiated to last 40 years, at which time the DeLuca family is free to do what they please with the prime real estate right in Young Circle. In the meantime, the eldest DeLuca will test the menu and various other changes at the Dania location. Though both the mayor and city commissioner of Hollywood have asked DeLuca to reopen somewhere in Hollywood, the Domenico is eying a much more affordable site of a former H&R Block adjacent to their current property in Dania.
If you're thinking of trying out Conca D'oro for the last time, happy hour goes from 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and features two-for-one drinks and half-price calamari, mozzarella marinara, and mozzarella caprese. At dinner, the veal is a favorite of Conca D'Oro's customers, and the New York-style personal cheese pizza goes for just $6.
