New Restaurant Announced for Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Apr 20, 2007 - 12:23 PM: The Walt Disney Co. has just announced the replacement restaurant for the departing L' Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in Epcot. Replacing Alfredos in Fall of 2007 will be a "new Italian restaurant concept" from the Patina Restaurant Group. Continue reading for complete information....While the contract with Alfredos ends on August 31, 2007, Disney says that they "have enjoyed working with the Alfredo?s Group since Epcot opened, we are finalizing plans to develop a new Italian restaurant concept."

Starting on September 1, 2007, the Patina Restaurant Group will be running operations at the restaraurant and a new restaurant concept is scheduled to open Fall of 2008.
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The Patina Restaurant Group operated one of the original restaurants at Disneyland's Downtown Disney and also operates at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Disney states they are making this change "to create new and exciting reasons to enhance the Guest experience." Running the daily operations will be an authentic Italian Chef and the new restaurant opening in Fall 2008 "will introduce a new restaurant featuring world-class cuisine to the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. It will include signature dishes, interactive experience, and a variety of wines."

While their flagship restaurant won't open until Fall 2008, the interim restaurant will showcase "similar Italian fare from some of its premiere Italian restaurants." Both restaurants will participate in the Magic Your Way dining plan.

"We?re very excited to have a strong strategic partner like the Patina Restaurant Group bring its world-class cuisine to the Italy Pavilion."
source http://disneyenquirer.com/NewsArticle-654