LYNN– Ciao Restaurant and Bar on Sutton Street in Lynn will close its doors this Saturday, Feb. 21. The owners, Sonia Torretta and Sean McDonough, who are married, announced earlier this month that they will be handing the business over to “new hands” in the next few months.
Ciao officially opened in 2021 as a family business. It was led by Sean, Sonia, and her parents, Joseph and Sarah Torretta, as well as her sister, Olivia, and brother-in-law Jonathan Santini. The menu featured authentic Italian cuisine, from bold pizza flavors like the birria and dolce e piccante made with San Marzano crushed tomatoes to their signature, The Ciao, a white pizza made with truffle cream, fresh mozzarella, bacon, and caramelized onions. They also served an assortment of appetizers, pastas, salads, and creative signature cocktails; during the winter storm in January, Ciao even offered a buy-one-get-one-free pizza kit to customers, too.
Since they announced that they’re closing on Facebook, the post has been flooded with comments and sad-face emojis, as many regarded them as “one of the best pizza spots” in Lynn.
“Your food was always consistently delicious. Sad to see it end. Best of luck to you with your new endeavors!” one user wrote.
It’s that community support that Sonia and Sean attributed to being a success, not just business-wise, but having impacted their lives. The couple now has two children and is currently pursuing other business ventures, including Sonia’s catering business, Sonia Rose Catering, which offers services for corporate events, weddings, showers, and private parties, as well as customized menus. Sean launched Catalyst Performance, a personal training business, and together, they also have a mobile coffee and bar trailer, Drippy Coffee Bar.
“It’s impossible to fully express how grateful we are for the love this community has shown us,” they stated. “You didn’t just support a business, you supported a dream, a family, and a passion.”
As they look ahead, both of Sonia and Sean expressed that they remain thankful for the Lynn community’s support, even as they move on to other projects: “While this chapter is coming to a close, we are truly excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait for you to find out what’s to come and watch the next chapter unfold.”
