Avo, a Sicilian-inspired restaurant on Magazine Street, will close later this month after roughly 10 years in business, the company announced in a news release. The restaurant said it will serve its final guests on Tuesday, Dec. 23, marking the end of a run that made it a fixture in Uptown New Orlea ns‘ competitive dining scene. In a statement shared with customers, they said the decision to close was difficult and expressed appreciation to diners, employees and the surrounding community for their support over the years. The restaurant encouraged patrons to visit during its final week of service. Opened by chef and owner Nick Lama, Avo built its reputation around Sicilian-influenced cuisine and a renovated courtyard dining space at 5908 Magazine St. Lama, a fourth-generation Sicilian-Orleanian, previously served as chef de cuisine at Gautreau’s before launching Avo. The closure removes another independent restaurant from Magazine Street, a corridor known for its dense concentration of dining options. While no reason for the closure was disclosed, the announcement underscores ongoing challenges facing local restaurants, including rising operating costs and intense competition. Avo did not indicate what will happen to the space following the closure or whether Lama has plans for a future concept. ...read more read less