Lake Norman ‘Cheers’ hangout closes permanently after 2 decades, owner says
A Lake Norman Italian restaurant whose bar area was a “Cheers”-type hangout for 21 years closed permanently this month, owner Steven Hackett confirmed to CharlotteFive on Friday.
In a text, Hackett didn’t say why he closed Rocco’s Pizzeria & Spirits, the former longtime Sebastiano’s Pizzeria, on Brawley School Road in Mooresville. He promised further details this week.
Rocco’s didn’t announce its June 7 closing on social media. Customers learned about the closing by the two large “Closed” signs in black marker on the front doors.
Hackett and his wife, Megan, bought the casual dining establishment in April 2023 from Sebastiano’s owner Tommy Lacon, the Observer reported at the time.
He named the restaurant after his late grandfather, Rocco Sandano, just as the name Sebastiano honored Lacon’s grandfather, Sebastiano Charles Testa.
Hackett, 36, worked on and off at Sebastiano’s since age 17.
On Facebook Feb. 5, the restaurant announced the end of its pasta, chicken, veal and eggplant entrees. Rocco’s said it wanted to focus on customer favorites: Its gourmet pizza, and its rolls, calzones, apps, heroes, fresh salads “and our corner/neighborhood bar vibes.”
Rocco’s Pizzeria & Spirits
Location: 862 Brawley School Rd #101, Mooresville, NC 28117 (closed)
Instagram: @roccospizzeriaspirits
