A now-closed Italian restaurant that once gained national recognition via a popular TV show is returning.

According to a source, Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston is opening back up, with a Facebook post from the Sumner Street spot saying the following:

After a much needed break to heal from physical and mental health issues, burnout, and Pandemic related issues, we are coming back stronger than ever, while continuing to serve the community for over 21 years....We are extremely thankful to our many friends, neighbors, and supporters of Italian Express that helped us go from surviving to thriving over the years and it's because of you, that we will be returning to our same location! Our reimagined concept will include a fresh atmosphere, private patio, new pizza menu, exciting food additions, and much more. Also, we will be applying for a full liquor license, to further accommodate our guests and complete the dining experience....We are bringing back our Italian Express Cares initiative that helps strengthen the community, and as the sign that hung above our front door said, "Enter as strangers, Leave as friends." That is a philosophy we stand by to this day.

The post mentions that if all goes as planned, the restaurant will return in mid to late 2024.

Italian Express, which closed down in the summer of 2021, was featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" in 2012, with Fieri trying the frutti di mare and haddock in the episode.

The address for Italian Express Pizzeria is 336 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.