Osteria la Fiamma Closes, Landlord Eyes Retailers

Osteria la Fiamma has closed its doors and two retail outfits could replace the long-time Italian restaurant, Patch has learned.

According to sources close to the situation, Osteria la Fiamma owner Sara Riva found herself several months behind on the rent following the sudden death of her husband Oscar in February of 2011. The restaurant – then called 'Fratelli' – was in the midst of expensive renovations when he passed.

Though Riva has paid her standard rent (more than $13,000 per month), the back rent has not fully been paid off yet, sources told Patch. She will not be re-opening at another location.

"The high rent made it impossible to continue," Riva told Patch. "There are a few unrealistic landlords in town that apparently think the economy is just fine. My lease was an above market lease."

The landlord, Jane Milanos, said the rent had been reduced and she worked with Riva to keep the business open. In the end, she locked the doors after other restauranteurs balked at the asking price.

"We gave her the opportunity to catch up," Milanos said. "It just didn't work out."

Milanos, who owns some of downtown Ridgewood's most valuable properties, plans on subdividing the space to accommodate two retail stores.

"I think we need more retailers than restaurants in Ridgewood," she said.

Riva contends many of the state's most prominent downtowns are changing and landlords aren't keeping up with the market.

"Look at Summit and Westfield and their high vacancy rates," she said. "We have a new normal some landlords are not willing to accept."