The owners of an Italian restaurant in downtown Wilmington have put expansion on the menu.

They’re looking for a new location for Tarantelli’s Italian Ristorante, currently at 102 S. Second St. on the first floor below the Hotel Tarrymore. They want space for more seating, a larger kitchen, a larger pastry room, enhanced wine storage “and the ability to provide their guests with even more incredible and unique dining experiences,” according to a news release.

After a renovation that preserved some of the original structure of the building “while combining true European charm,” Tarantelli’s opened in 2016, the release stated. The restaurant's name pays homage to Anthony Tarantelli, the grandfather of owners Ryan Morabito and Erika Morabito-Henderson, according to a previous Greater Wilmington Business Journal story.

“We are so grateful for the love that so many locals and visitors have shown us over the years, and we could not be more committed to our future here in Wilmington, including to our amazing staff and loyal guests,” said co-owner Jason Henderson in the release. “We have loved creating a concept with our executive chef that has been overwhelmingly received by the residents and visitors in the Wilmington market.”

The restaurant owners plan to sell their existing space, which they own separately from the Hotel Tarrymore, according to Terry Espy of MoMentum Companies. Espy stated in the release that they want to find the “right owner and restaurant to occupy and own this amazing space.”

According to Espy, the demand for second-generation restaurants has increased significantly in the Wilmington area.

She said in the release, “We are committed to assisting Tarantelli’s with the sale of the restaurant’s existing prime location and the acquisition of the next ‘perfect’ location and space for this incredible restaurant and ownership team that will allow for even more growth and opportunity for them.”