DOWNERS GROVE – Carlucci Restaurant in Downers Grove is closing Feb. 18 following a 15-year run on Butterfield Road, according to a restaurant news release.

Restaurant founder Joe Carlucci said in the Feb. 12 release that he sold his restaurant to a "much-respected and recognized brand."

Carlucci did not reveal the name of the company that purchased the restaurant at 1801 Butterfield Road.

The first Carlucci Restaurant opened 30 years ago on Halsted Street in Chicago, and some of the restaurant’s original employees came to work at the Downers Grove location after it opened 15 years ago, the release stated.

“I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of the people who’ve helped make Carlucci a success for so many years,” Carlucci said in the release. “I welcome the new property owner with open arms. I believe that they will have great success at our location. I regret closing the doors on such short notice, but the offer was something that I needed to move very quickly on.”

Carlucci thanked his employees for their service.

“I want to thank my loyal employees,” he said in the release. “People like chef Jonny Hart, general manager Sharon Borkowicz and servers like Carlos Magaa, Arturo Manzanarez and Arturo Perez have helped make Carlucci a west suburban staple.”

Carlucci also thanked the many customers who patronized the Tuscan-themed restaurant.

“Importantly, I also want to thank all of the hundreds and thousands of guests that were part of the Carlucci family,” he said in the release. “I will also miss working with the local charities, business leaders and hoteliers with whom I’ve developed close personal relationships.”

The menu during Carlucci’s final days will feature customers’ all-time favorite pastas, according to the release. The restaurant also invites guest to stop in for a farewell drink. House wines will be $5 throughout the week.