Bruno’s Little Italy Plans August Opening in Mann Building

A rendering of the Mann Building, where Bruno's Little Italy is scheduled to open in August.

After a year’s absence, Bruno’s Little Italy announced Wednesday that it plans to re-open on the ground floor of the Mann Lofts, at 310 Main St. in downtown Little Rock. 

Brothers Vince and Gio Bruno will operate the new restaurant. They are the sons of the Italian restaurant’s founder, Jimmy Bruno. Arkansas Business reported last year that Vince Bruno was working on a plan to resurrect the restaurant.

Construction on the new space started this week, and the Brunos are planning a grand opening in early August.

The $22 million renovation of the 140,000-SF Mann on Main building at Fourth and Main streets began about six months ago. The project, which includes office and retail space, lofts, a 415-space parking deck, is scheduled to open for tenants in June. It is one of several downtown Little Rock construction and renovation projects scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Jimmy Bruno first opened Bruno’s Little Italy in Levy in 1948, then moved it to Little Rock, first off West Roosevelt Road and then off Old Forge Road.

Scott Wallace bought the upscale Italian eatery four years after Jimmy Bruno’s death in 1984.

Wallace owned the restaurant until fall of 2011, when he closed the business, which had moved to 315 N. Bowman Road. He is no longer in the ownership picture.