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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- On Monday, July 31, Nucci's North will serve its final pizzas and "Escarole with Sun-dried Tomato Salads." The West Brighton restaurant is closing.

That is the bad news for fans of the North Shore's outpost for crunchy, cheesy pies, its martini-makers behind the bar -- and ever-smiling delivery guy, "Wikki."

But the good news, said co-owner Paul Montella, is that the premises at 616 Forest Ave. will indeed be a restaurant in its new incarnation, a concept soon to be announced officially in the next week or so.

In the meantime, he and business partners Ronnie Martinucci and Paul's brother, Dr. Peter Montella, will honor Nucci's North gift certificates at sister restaurant Nucci's South -- 4848 Arthur Kill Rd.

Nucci's South was established in 2002 with the understanding that Paul would manage Nucci's South and Ronnie would run the Forest Avenue location.

Ronnie served as chef on Forest Avenue and has a long career thus far in food service.

Ronnie started at the Holiday Inn in 1977 where he worked alongside his father and other family members. He took on a job at the former Lower Deck Cafe in the Staten Island Mall where he and Paul, a busboy there at the time, made friends.

Then from 1981 through 1984 Ronnie worked at the upscale Italian restaurant formerly known as The Alps of New Dorp. He went on to La Fontana in Oakwood where he waited tables for a decade. After that, Ronnie served as manager for four years at "The Parsonage," a high-end eatery owned by Paul and Jimmy McBratney on the grounds of Historic Richmond Town.

Ronnie and the Montella brothers opened Nucci's North in 1999. After two years, when the Chinese takeout place next door went out of business, the trio expanded to open a bakery and take-out section.

"West Brighton's been a wonderful neighborhood to be in. It was kind of like a 'Cheers' where everyone knows your name," said Ronnie.

"After 18 years, we want to thank everyone first off. An 18 year run is not easy to do in these times," said Paul. He operates Campania Coal Fired Pizza of Eltingville and Richmond Valley plus Sonic of Richmond Valley.

"The future of the place is still being discussed. It will be a restaurant and we're just working out the details before the final announcements," he said.

"It was great. We had so much fun," said Paul. However, it is time for a change.

"There are people who have been there since the beginning. But the future is looking bright," Paul concluded.

Nucci's North is located at 616 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718 815-4882 and will operate until July 31. The restaurant serves dinner until 10 p.m. on Mondays.

Nucci's South can be found at 4848 Arthur Kill Rd., 718-967-3600.