The location, in recent years, has been a sports bar and a rent to own business, which closed a few months ago. Shteiwi said the interior of the business is being “gutted” and a brick facade has been added to the outside. Middletown officials have not received building plans.
The business was recently approved for a liquor permit and sign permit, city officials said.
Shteiwi said he’s negotiating with Middletown city officials to see if they will allow him to have the restaurant’s trademark sign — a spinning fork — either on top of the restaurant or near the road.
This will be the first expansion for the family-owned and operated Italian restaurant, Shteiwi said. He said the business was attracted to Middletown because there aren’t any sit-down restaurants along Verity, commonly called “fast-food row.”
He said there is a need for a restaurant in that end of town.
“We decided to give it a try,” he said. “This will be something different.”
Since Capozzi’s and Schiavone’s have closed, there are two Italian restaurants in Middletown: Stefano’s on Central Avenue and a national chain, Olive Garden on Towne Boulevard, across from the Towne Mall.
No opening date has been set for Spinning Fork, but once construction nears completion, an opening date will be announced, he said. Right now, a sign near the entrance says the restaurant is coming soon.
Shteiwi described the Spinning Fork as a casual, family-friendly restaurant that is capable of hosting birthdays, anniversaries and wedding rehearsal dinners. All of the food and sauces are homemade, he said.
He said the restaurant will have seating for about 120.
Shteiwi’s brother, Hatem, owns and operates Dad’s Restaurant and Gold Star Chili in Middletown.
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