The Albano family is closing Poppy’s Ristorante, Poppy’s Parlor and Quonset Lanes, three businesses housed in the same building in the 2000 block of North Truman Boulevard in Crystal City, Paul Albano said April 6.
Poppy’s Ristorante, a restaurant, and Poppy’s Parlor, a banquet and conference center, will close April 15. Quonset Lanes, a bowling center, will cease operations April 30, Albano said.
He said the family is attempting to sell the property, including the businesses.
“There’s no sales contract at this moment,” Albano said. “There’s a lot of interest. My goal is to sell the real estate – that has great value – and the contents. But, the new owner – who knows what they’re going to do?
“Most of the people are very interested in continuing the bowling center and Poppy’s Ristorante. I’m hoping someone’s going to carry on with what we’ve done and add to it.”
Albano said Poppy’s has a staff of 54 and the bowling center has 13 employees.
He said customers have been telling him how much the businesses have meant to them and they hope someone keeps the businesses alive.
“I’m hearing wonderful tributes and stories,” he said. “A woman told me she and her husband have eaten their anniversary dinner here for 41 years.”
Poppy’s Ristorante has been in business for 42 years and Quonset Lanes bowling center has operated for 66 years, according to a company advertisement.
The restaurant is named for Albano’s 95-year-old mother, Louise Albano. Her maiden name is Popsterioff.