Update: Brian Black of Mi Piaci released a statement through his publicist this afternoon, claiming his former business partner stole Mi Piaci from him and is opening Cucina Neighborhood Italian in its place, using the Mi Piaci menu. Black plans to file a lawsuit. “The principles and family members that have been involved with the Mi Piaci brand since 1991 have NO affiliation to this new restaurant. This malicious and unscrupulous act will be met with swift and just response,” he says.
Last month we reported that Mi Piaci in Preston Center closed. The Italian restaurant didn’t survive longer than a year in the Preston Center spot since closing its Addison location after 23 years of business.
Now, according to Eater Dallas, a restaurant strikingly similar to Mi Piaci dubbed Cucina Neighborhood Italian is in the works to open up in the same location. Construction permits and menus posted on the front window indicate that the restaurant’s menu will be similar to that of its predecessor — expect pizza, pasta, and a few seafood dishes in the $10-$20 price range. The website says to look for a grand opening in May.
