Minneapolis, Minn., July 19, 2012. Its for realio: Figlio will live again as a Kaskaid Hospitality property, taking over the space formerly occupied by Sopranos Italian Kitchen in St. Louis Parks West End development.

The licensing arrangement between PARASOLE RESTAURANT HOLDINGS and Kaskaid Hospitality was signed on July 11, 2012 and the new Figlio is expected to open in September, 2012.

Born 1984. Reborn: 2012.

Closing Figlio was the biggest ****ing mistake Ive ever made, says its creator, PARASOLE founder Phil Roberts. Knowing that it will live again is tremendously gratifying, and I couldnt be more pleased that Uptowns iconic restaurant will be in the capable hands of Kaskaid Hospitalitys owner and CEO, Kam Talebi, a man I admire and whose organization I respect.

While the details of the licensing arrangement remain confidential, Roberts and Talebi confirm that Kaskaid Hospitality will be granted the rights to the FIGLIO name, graphic identity, menu items, and other brand assets. The agreement also grants Kaskaid Hospitality the option to open additional FIGLIO restaurants in other parts of the United States.

FIGLIO 2.0 isnt just mutually beneficial for PARASOLE and Kaskaid Hospitality, its great news for Twin Cities diners, says Roberts. The deals a win-win all the way around.

Local Legend, With a National Reputation

Few restaurants define a place or an era like FIGLIO. More than Uptowns anchor, it was a milestone restaurant for Minnesota.

- FIGLIO gave the state its first wood-fired pizza oven.

- It introduced Twin Citians to then exotic fare including fried calamari, homemade ravioli, and personal-sized pizzas.

- Generations of chefs including PARASOLEs own Tim McKee cut their teeth in its kitchen.

- Metropolitan Home magazine promptly named FIGLIO one of the Top 10 Bistros in America (along with Wolfgang Pucks Spago).

An Icon Lives On

FIGLIO had a storied history, but Im really excited about its future, says Kaskaid Hospitalitys Talebi. It was a pioneer in Uptown, and its energy, attitude and powerfully appealing Italian fare will lead the way in the West End.

Roberts wasnt surprised when Talebi first ventured the idea of licensing the FIGLIO name. On occasion we considered opening a restaurant in the West End, and when I asked myself what I thought would work there, the answer was always, Something like FIGLIO.

Kam took it one step further and actually proposed FIGLIO for the site, continues Roberts. I think its a brilliant idea, with the potential to eclipse even what we achieved on the first go-around.

About Parasole

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Parasole Restaurant Holdings operates Good Earth in Edina and Roseville, Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse in Maple Grove and Edina; Uptown Cafeteria and Chino Latino in Uptown; Mannys Steakhouse, The Living Room and Prohibition in the W Minneapolis The Foshay; Salut Bar Américain in St. Paul and Edina; Muffuletta Café in St. Paul; Burger Jones in Burnsville and Minneapolis; and Mozza Mia Pizza Pie & Mozzarella Bar in Downtown Edina.

Kip Clayton

Vice President, Marketing & Business Development

Parasole Restaurant Holdings Inc

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5032 France Ave S

Edina Mn 55410

Phone: 612/822-0016

Fax: 612/822-0705

Cell: 651/341-8009