For 15 years, Livermore’s Campo di Bocce had been a gathering spot on Vineyard Avenue for a spirited Italian game combined with a meal and some wine, drawing crowds for birthday parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, wine country excursions, team-building events, fundraisers and even national tournaments.
But the business restrictions of the COVID-19 era proved too hard to overcome, and the owners announced they have made the “extremely difficult decision” to permanently close that location, along with the Fremont one.
“The continual shutdowns, lockdowns, changing of the rules, takeout food only, outdoor dining only, minimal indoor dining, then once again takeout only, finally took its toll, and the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic finally took hold and have forced us into this dire situation,” owners Tom Albanese and Ben Musolf announced on their Facebook page.
The original location in Los Gatos, which opened in 1997, will remain in business. It’s currently closed for renovations. “But we will be back in the early spring. We look forward to seeing you again soon,” the website says.
In the farewell note, the owners thanked their East Bay employees, their customers and the bocce community for their love of the game.
“We want to thank our loyal, devoted and dedicated staff members for all of the support and hard work helping Campo di Bocce of Livermore become a pillar in the community,” they said, adding that many staff members met there for the first time and have actually gone on to get married and start families.
“And to all of our loyal customers, without your continued support over the past 15 years, Campo di Bocce of Livermore would have only been a place to grab a pizza and beer and go on with your day. So many parties have been held here and so, so many unforgettable memories have been created.”
Over the years, Albanese and Musolf said, Campo di Bocce has hosted four national bocce championships as well as charity celebrity events hosted by John Madden and Steve Mariucci, regional tournaments and in-house leagues.
For Bay Area lovers of the game, they said, “bocce as we know it will never be the same again.”
Details: The remaining Campo di Bocce is located at 565 University Ave, Los Gatos; www.campodibocce.com.
