JD's To Become 'Sapsuckers Hops and Grub'

Those who noticed a blank space Friday where Osteria Da Nino's sign used to be need not worry that the rustic Italian eatery is closing.

Owner Nino Antuzzi was simply doing some spring cleaning, so to speak, including repainting and resealing the windows, according to the contractor. The work necessitated a temporary removal of the sign which was rehung Friday night.

Not only is Antuzzi's namesake restaurant not closing, but according to Nino's manager Jeff Gucciardo, the chef/owner is expanding across Main Street to the site of the former JD's Tap Room, which closed last month.

Renovations are set to begin to transform the spot in to Sapsuckers Hops and Grub.

"We're not sure of the timetable right now but it should be opening within a month or so," Gucciardo said. "It's going to be a nice New York City-style taproom with real cool, funky bar food. Kind of jazzed up."

In addition, Antuzzi, who also owns the bar/restaurant Red on New York Avenue, plans to open Cafe Red in Kings Park.