Fiori Local Italian Pizzeria files paperwork for future operations at soon to be vacant space
The owners of J Wild’s Livery and Feed, a barbecue restaurant in the Historic Folsom District, have announced they will soon be closing their doors. Located at 614 Sutter Street, the family-owned establishment cites tough economic times as the primary reason for the decision to close.
James and Samantha Youmans, who took over the restaurant just over a year ago, shared the news with patrons and the community through social media and their website.
“We have made the decision to close J Wild’s in the coming weeks. When we took over, we had so many plans to make J Wild’s a special community spot, building on the amazing food quality and service that was already established. One of our biggest goals was to make sure that we remained a family restaurant, a place that was kid and wallet-friendly. To make J Wild’s our own, we wanted to add happy hour, trivia nights, improve the whiskey selection, a loyalty program, seasonal specials, and more… all of which we accomplished, but none of it was enough to overcome the financial challenge of running a restaurant in this economy,” the statement read.
They cited rising costs due to legislative changes and general inflation as significant hurdles. Additionally, the couple welcomed their first child in March, making it even more challenging to balance running the business and spending time with their family.
“Realizing we would never have the family time that we desire solidified our decision to close. We have no more to give of ourselves after sacrificing so much of our time and all of our resources to J Wild’s, our wonderful staff, and you, our guests. This wasn’t an easy choice, but it was our only option both financially, and for the sake of our family. In terms of fulfillment, neither of us have ever been happier than when we were running the restaurant,” the couple shared.
Originally, the restaurant at 614 Sutter St. was owned by Eric Schnetz, the founder of the local restaurant chain Chicago Fire. Schnetz rebranded the Folsom site to J Wild’s in 2020 after operating it as a Chicago Fire location for 17 years. Rising operating costs and its proximity to another Chicago Fire location in Folsom’s Palladio at Broadstone were cited as reasons for the change.
“We dreamed about our daughter growing up playing with the (point of sale) stations like Sam did and working her first job on Sutter Street. It’s a vision that is heartbreaking to let go of. We are grateful for the times that we had and the people that became our community and regulars. A huge thank you to everyone that came through our doors during the time they were ours,” the Youmans’ statement concluded.
J Wild’s specializes in Texas-style barbecue, including pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, and features a full bar with an assortment of whiskey and cocktail offerings.The community is invited to visit J Wild’s in the coming weeks to enjoy their offerings one last time and bid farewell to the Youmans and their staff.
The announcement comes in less than a month that another one of Historic Folsom’s shops closed up. Sweet Dozen Cones, a specialty dessert shop on Sutter Sutter Street served its last ice cream treat this past weekend. However, it seems as if another restauranteur has plans for the space.
Italian Pizzeria place appears to be eying space in future
According to documents filed with the County of Sacramento and Secretary of State, a Fictitious Business Name statement for the business name of Fiori Local Italian Pizzeria. The company is reportedly registered as Sutter Incorporated and is owned by Bulent Ozel and Serkan Bikim with a successful resume in the restaurant industry, including Mediterranean themed restaurants in the bay area and most recently a Rose Park Bistro in Roseville. There is currently no estimated timeline of the future tenant that just recently made the fillings on July 18, according to Sacramento County.
