Status: CLOSED (January 2020)
Peppino’s Ristorante Italiano in Oviedo, Florida was a 30-year institution that couldn’t survive its generational transition. Despite Restaurant Impossible’s intervention to prepare the owner’s son Nato for leadership, the restaurant closed in 2020. The building was later demolished to make way for a women’s clinic.
Three Decades in Oviedo
Peppino’s Ristorante Italiano opened in 1988 when Michael Liguori saw Oviedo’s potential for growth. The Italian restaurant became a community fixture, serving the growing suburb for over three decades.
Michael sold the business to his brother-in-law in 1992, who continued the legacy. Eventually, owners Susan and Luigi hoped their son Nato would take over the family business.
The Episode (Season 13, Episode 4)
Title: “Ambush: In Robert We Trust”
Air Date: March 30, 2016
Location: 100 Carrigan Ave, Oviedo, FL
An employee reached out to Restaurant Impossible with a plea for help. Robert Irvine arrived to find parents who couldn’t trust their son with the family business. Nato’s poor work ethic and attitude made delegation impossible.
With just two days and $10,000, Robert had to update the decades-old menu, service, and decor while determining if Nato was even capable of running the restaurant.
Post-Show Performance
Reviews after Restaurant Impossible were positive. The makeover seemed to work – customers appreciated the refreshed restaurant and improved operations.
But positive reviews don’t always translate to long-term survival.
The Closure
In January 2020 – about four years after the episode aired – Peppino’s closed its doors. Business had slowed, and after 30+ years, the restaurant couldn’t adapt to changing market conditions.
The building was subsequently demolished. Choices Women’s Clinic built a new $1 million, 4,000-square-foot facility on the property they purchased for $800,000.
End of an Era
Peppino’s closure represents a common restaurant reality: even institutions can’t last forever. Thirty years is a remarkable run, and while Restaurant Impossible extended that life, it couldn’t guarantee immortality.
Former Location
Address: 100 Carrigan Ave, Oviedo, FL
Established: 1988
Closed: January 2020 (after 32 years)
Building: Demolished, now Choices Women’s Clinic
Cuisine: Italian
Peppino’s Ristorante Italiano had a great run. Four years of post-makeover operation and over three decades of total service is a legacy worth celebrating.
Last verified: January 2026
Leave a Reply