Brian Lorusso, one of the city’s best mixologists and longtime Dogwood bartender, will work his last shift with Rare Roots Hospitality on Saturday. Lorusso has been with the company for more than 15 years, and has been on hand to open each one of Jon Dressler’s restaurants. He joins Frank Scibelli’s FS Foods Group, where Lorusso will be the bartender at Little Mama’s, the restaurant group’s newest concept. Little Mama’s serves the style of Italian food Scibelli grew up eating in the Northeast, with chicken parm, broiled fish, and pastas that can be served family-style of as a single portion.

Lorusso says he first built a relationship with Scibelli last year. The longtime restaurateur heard that Lorusso was looking to open his own concept in South End, and reached out about the possibility of partnering. While that concept never materialized, the two kept in touch.

“He made me aware of this project in SouthPark he was working on and asked if I want to be involved with it,” Lorusso says. “It just wasn’t the right time for me. I kept leaving the door open for the possibility of working together or coming on board with that project, and then finally, the opportunity seemed right for me.”

The news may come as a surprise to many Dogwood regulars; Lorusso says out of respect for the restaurant, he hasn’t been sharing the news of his departure as people come in. For the remainder of this week, Lorusso will be behind the bar with Eli Privette, who is moving over from Fin & Fino to take Lorusso’s place. Read more about Privette’s plans for Dogwood in our earlier coverage. After 15 years with the restaurant group, Lorusso says he is sad to leave, but looking forward to trying something new.

“I have the utmost respect for Jon [Dressler] and Rare Roots hospitality — it was an incredible journey we had together,” Lorusso says. “It’s great to be leaving on my terms and great terms, and to just have the opportunities that I’ve had over all these years has been amazing. I’ve learned tons from Jon that I’m grateful for, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned over to Little Mama’s.”

The cocktail menu at Little Mama’s currently has a focus on amari cocktails, pairing with the Italian menu. Lorusso begins there next week, and hopes to see some of his Dogwood regulars when seating at the bar is allowed once again.

“After almost six years at that bar and developing that program into what it was, it’s sad to leave, of course,” Lorusso. “I’m not going so far as to where people can’t find me, and I know a lot of the regulars will come over and check in on me from time to time. I’m definitely excited to see everyone in a new space and serving up some different cocktails and different food than what I’ve been doing in the past.” —Kristen Wile

 

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