Many El Pasoans were surprised when they heard the news that an Italian restaurant that had been serving customers for more than 55 years had closed its doors. 

On Oct. 19, employees arrived at 2716 Montana for work to find a sign posted at the door that said, "It is with great sadness that I announce the difficult decision of closing Cappetto's. "It went on, saying "I look forward to a new project in this community..." The message was written by owner Edward Davis. 

KFOX14 learned of the reopening and spoke with Davis Friday afternoon at the restaurant's new location.

"After much soul searching and deliberation ... I decided to open Cappetto's here" in the former Danes Steakhouse location, said Davis. 

A popular item on its menu is expected to return; pizzas. But there is one change Davis said the recipe will undergo. The pizza will be cooked in a brick-style oven as opposed to a deck oven it was cooked in before. 

Davis reassured KFOX14 other items on the menu will remain the same. 

Soon after the Italian eatery closed, customers who had Cappetto's gift cards were concerned they had lost out on their money. 

Davis told KFOX14 the new restaurant would honor the gift cards. 

According to the sign that was placed at the entrance when Cappetto's closed, employees should have been paid the following week. "All the employees were paid. That's not an issue," said Davis.

In the coming weeks, Davis said he plans on hiring staff. 

Not only is Cappetto's the newest restaurant to Kern Place. Agave Kitchen arrived in January. Brunch, seafood and steak are offered at Agave. 

Perhaps it's the vibrant feel the area has, added Davis, that has businesses moving in. 

According to our news partner, The El Paso Times, Cappetto's parent company, Alice Davis Enterprises Inc., had federal tax liens. Federal Bankruptcy Court records showed that Alice Davis Enterprises filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2007.

When KFOX14 asked Davis about his financial situation, he declined to comment. "We're not going to talk about that. You want to talk about this place [new restaurant], I'll talk about it," Davis said angrily.

Remodeling was under way during the interview. Davis, who didn't allow KFOX14 inside, explained that the design for the new location was a work in progress and hoped the reveal would be a surprise for everyone. "He [designer] wants everyone to be surprised and excited." 

Cappetto's is scheduled to open in early April at 2711 N. Stanton St.