California’s restaurant landscape has lost another gathering place, joining a growing list of beloved California restaurants that recently closed. Zio Fraedo’s on the Vallejo waterfront served its final customers on October 25 after 20 years of Italian meals, marina views and milestone celebrations.
Owners Tony and Sherry LoForte said they could not reach a sustainable lease agreement with the City of Vallejo, which owns the property. They said the proposed monthly rent would exceed what the restaurant could support. Food, labor and supply costs had already climbed, and the business had eliminated lunch service after the pandemic reduced revenue.
A waterfront room made for occasions
Zio Fraedo’s occupied a sprawling Tudor-style building beside Vallejo Municipal Marina. The dining room and bar looked toward the water, while smaller rooms gave families, companies and community groups space for private events. Weddings, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, banquets and holiday parties became as central to its identity as dinner itself…