Work progresses at new Nicolinni’s

BOARDMAN — Italian eatery Nicolinni’s Ristorante intends to open its newest location, called Nicolinni’s II, at 1247 Boardman-Poland Road.

The location, formerly the Bull and Bear Tavern, was bought 14 months ago by Nicolinni’s founders, the Lavanty family.

Kim Hladun, a secretary to the owners, said the new location will be strictly a restaurant. A concert venue, B&B Backstage, used to operate at the back of the lot.

The original location, at 1921 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, will remain in business.

The new restaurant will have a different design.

“The atmosphere is completely different,” Hladun said. “[It] is more European.”

Hladun said the founder, Nick Lavanty, was looking to create something that would stand apart from the other restaurant.

“He just wanted to have a more unique look. He didn’t want both buildings to look the same,” she said.

Though the change in scenery will be different, many of the food choices will remain the same. Hladun said 75 percent of the menu is transferring to Boardman.

Hladun said there isn’t a date set for the new location to open, but the Lavanty family is aiming for some time within the next four weeks.