Enzo closing, new Italian restaurant to fill footprint
RIDGELAND — A Starkville-based Italian restaurant is slated to open here at the Renaissance next year following the closing of Enzo Osteria.
According to John Ryckert, Taste’s director of operations, the property on the south end of the Renaissance will be home to Taste starting next year. This will be Taste’s second location.
“We are beyond excited to expand Taste to Ridgeland,” Ryckert said. “Our team is dedicated to providing our guests with an unforgettable dining experience, from the carefully crafted dishes inspired by traditional Italian recipes to the welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like family. We can’t wait to become a part of the Ridgeland community.”
The restaurant will undergo renovations and will officially open its doors to the public at the first of 2025.
This announcement follows word that Enzo Osteria will close on Sept. 21. Enzo has been open for about two years at that location. It replaced Biaggi’s, a national chain of Italian restaurants.
On Tuesday evening, owner Robert St. John announced on social media that they had made the difficult decision to close the restaurant.
“I just had a meeting with our managers and team members, a meeting I’ve never had to have before and hope I’ll never have to have again,” St. John said. “To our incredible team—especially those who stuck with us through the hardest times—there are no words to fully express my appreciation. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have been the heart of this restaurant, and we are so proud to have worked alongside each of you.”
The restauranteur based out of Hattiesburg said in his announcement that another restaurant was set to occupy the space after they closed. Taste made their announcement in a press release Wednesday morning.
Renaissance officials said they welcome the new brand.
“Renaissance at Colony Park is excited to welcome Taste and to introducing this proven concept to this market,” a statement from Renaissance said. “The restaurant and ownership are a perfect fit within our Renaissance restaurant lineup.”
According to Ryckert, Taste is an Italian restaurant that celebrates the art of Italian cooking. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and impeccable service, Taste has quickly become a favorite in the Starkville area and is now expanding to bring its exceptional dining experience to Ridgeland, Ryckert said.