Longtime Event Space Riccardo’s By The Bridge Permanently Closes

ASTORIA, QUEENS — The event venue Riccardo's by the Bridge is closing its doors after nearly 70 years in Astoria.

Anthony Corbisiero, president of the business, attributed the closure to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted restrictions on social gatherings and indoor events.

With the details on reopening still up in the air, Corbisiero said, "there is simply no realistic path forward given the many unknowns."

"This decision has been extremely difficult to make, and is solely due to the various impacts of the COVID pandemic," Corbisiero said in a statement. "If it were up to us we would cater your special events forever."

Founded by Richard Corbisiero, Sr., in 1951, the event space and catering hall at 21-01 24th Ave. has remained family-run for four generations.

During that time, Riccardo's became a part of American pop culture history: Legendary American pop and jazz singer Tony Bennett got his start as a singing waiter there.

"Our business goal was to create a venue that was affordable to the widest group of people possible while showing them a great time, a great value, all at a great price," Corbisiero, the founder's grandson, said in a note about the closure posted to Riccardo's website. "And we succeeded."

Anyone who has booked an event and submitted a deposit will get refunded in the next 90 days.