A beloved Italian cafe in Athens has announced its upcoming closure. Serving the Athens community since 1988, DePalma’s is preparing to close after 38 years. The community shared their memories and wished the owners good luck for the future.
DePalma’s Has Announced Its Upcoming Closure
Since opening in 1988, DePalma’s has been a popular dining spot for locals and visitors in Athens. University of Georgia students have long flocked to DePalma’s for its classic Italian dishes. However, the beloved spot is now closing its doors after serving the community for 38 years.
On February 17, 2026, the owner, Dave Cappi, shared a heartfelt post on social media. He shared his journey in the post and announced the closure. While the announcement surprised many fans and community members, they did not shy away from sending their well-wishes.
Located at 401 E. Broad Street in downtown Athens, DePalma’s will close on February 27, 2026. Until then, visitors can drop by and relive their beloved memory of the restaurant one last time.
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The Legacy of DePalma’s
In the post, Cappi shares how the restaurant has been an essential part of his life. He shares that this is where he met his wife. It is also the place that transformed him from a young boy fresh out of engineering school to the person he is today.
Over the decades, DePalma’s helped him realize how it was the people, conversations, and connections that were the real gifts in life. Now that his journey is coming to an end, he is happy to see two like-minded people carry on the vibe and spirit of the place in their own way.
The closure of DePalma’s has sparked nostalgia and a sense of loss among longtime patrons and locals. However, it also reflects the post-pandemic shifts among longtime restaurants in Athens that have been shutting down recently.
The Community’s Reaction to the Closure
After Cappi announced the upcoming closure, fans responded quickly. Some shared their time spent working at the restaurant, while others shared their memories as guests. The legacy Cappi created at DePalma’s in downtown Athens is loved and appreciated by many.
One Instagram user writes, “What a legacy! And inspiration for any restaurateur in Athens!” Meanwhile, another shares, “My time working here was something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Thank you, Dave, for my job, the friends, the memories, and the love. Congrats on this exciting new chapter of life.”
The messages continue to fill the comment section on both the restaurant’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Cappi says he will remain active at DePalma’s Eastside and Timothy Road locations, which will stay open. Only the downtown location is closing; the other two will remain open.
