Sarah Griesemer

@sarahegriesemer

The sudden closure of Rivoli's in Toms River means goodbye, Italian food, and hello, Cuban food.

Tony Rivoli, who opened Rivoli's Italian & Seafood Restaurant nearly 30 years ago with his wife, Laura, and ran the restaurant with his family, announced Nov. 18 on Facebook that he would close the Toms River restaurant and focus his attention on a second, Rivoli's Grill & Chill in Howell.

The new owner is Patty Caneda, a first-generation Cuban-American who opened Caneda's, a 14-seat eatery specializing in homemade empanadas and Cuban sandwiches, down the street a little more than two years ago.

"It's very hard on my family, running the two businesses," Rivoli said when he announced the closure. "It's hard to be in two places at one time, so it's just better for my family and it's better for our business in Howell that we concentrate on one business. The people taking over are going to build a great restaurant here, and I know the building will be be in great hands."

"It's great news for Toms River," said Rivoli, who lives in the township. Caneda lives in Island Heights.

RELATED: Caneda's brings a taste of Cuba to Toms River

To locals, Rivoli's was known for serving classic Italian dinners in extra-large portions. The restaurant made it to the small screen when the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" became regulars, and Rivoli was in the news in December 2014 when he showed support for law enforcement.

On Sunday, the Toms River Police Department returned the favor: Nearly a dozen officers parked in front of the restaurant, the lights of their patrol cars blazing.

The news of the restaurant's closing prompted plenty of comments from regular customers:

"I couldn't be with you this weekend, but my broken heart was. I feel the sadness, but with that I feel another page turning for you. I shared many dinners at my favorite restaurant with everyone special in my life. I will hold those memories close to me forever." -Arlene D'Ambrosia

"So sad to hear....I've been going to your awesome restaurant for 20 years. Whenever I come home to Jersey for a visit, we always have dinner and order extra to bring back. I have taken a few friends from Virginia to Jersey and I always bring them for a REAL Italian food. Visits back home will never be the same. Best of luck to you and your family...thanks for 30 great years." -Liz Gunderson-Swertfeger

"Thank you & your family for many delicious dinners & great memories. You will be missed. Good luck & much continued success." -Candace Lambert

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In a later video, Rivoli spoke to viewers with tears in his eyes as he prepared to close the doors.

"Thirty years ago I was just a kid with a dream and a great wife who told me to chase it ... and then we built something special," he said. "I just cannot believe that we don't open tomorrow. But we gotta move on to the next chapter.

"Thank you for 30 great years in the great town of Toms River, New Jersey," Rivoli said. "I'll see you further up the road."

Rivoli's Italian & Seafood Restaurant was at 781 Fischer Blvd. Rivoli's Grill & Chill in Howell is at 8 Ramtown-Greenville Road. For more information, call 732-202-8927 or visit www.rivolisgrillandchill.com.