Prato Embarks on a Month-Long “Riposo” for Renovations, With Beloved Dishes Available at Luke’s
It's not goodbye, it's see you later.
Winter Park Italian restaurant, Prato, will soon pause its Park Avenue service for a month-long refresh designed to set the stage for the next decade of dining. Beginning Monday, September 29, Prato will close its doors through October while undertaking a series of updates to both its physical space and its culinary program.
The closure, lovingly dubbed a “Riposo”—the Italian tradition of rest before renewal—has been nearly a year in planning by the Park Lights Hospitality team. The enhancements include an updated bar and dining room, refreshed branded elements, and important back-of-house improvements to ease the strain on the restaurant’s famously compact kitchen.
A Strategic Pause for the Future
“Over the last 14 years, we’ve been fortunate to serve so many in our community,” said Scott Bowman, President of Park Lights Hospitality Group. “We identified key areas to improve to give Prato the firepower it needs for the next 14 years and beyond. By calling this a Riposo, we’re highlighting that this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a chance to come back even stronger.”
During the downtime, the Prato team won’t just be waiting for the construction dust to settle. They’ll be actively developing new dishes, refining the cocktail and wine programs, strengthening ties with local farmers, engaging in staff training, and participating in community-service events. The ultimate goal, Bowman emphasized, is to balance innovation with tradition: “We’ll maintain the soul of the restaurant with the menu items people love while propelling our culinary efforts forward.”
Prato at Luke’s: Keeping the Favorites Alive
Fans of Prato won’t have to go without their favorite dishes during the closure. In a creative collaboration, Luke’s Kitchen and Bar, Prato’s sister restaurant in Maitland, will host a special Riposo Menu throughout October. Guests can look forward to iconic favorites such as the Mustard Spaghettini, Prato Meatballs, and the refreshing Cetriolo cocktail.
“Prato at Luke’s will be a fun way for our teams to collaborate and, most importantly, ensure loyal Prato fans can still enjoy their Spaghettini,” Bowman added.
What’s Next
Prato’s last day of reservations before the break will be Sunday, September 28, with plans to reopen by the end of October. Before officially returning to service, the restaurant will host a community celebration with staff, guests, friends, and family to showcase its refreshed space and renewed spirit.
For updates on the Riposo, the special Luke’s menu, and details about the reopening celebration, guests are encouraged to follow Prato and Luke’s on Instagram.
