A family-owned Italian restaurant is set to expand its reach with the opening of a new location in Reading. Toscana Forno, known for its wood-fired comfort cuisine, will establish its second site at the former Betucci’s location, located at 45 Walkers Brook Drive. This development comes after the Reading Select Board unanimously approved an all-alcohol restaurant liquor license for Reading Forno, LLC earlier this year.
The Perrina family, long-time residents of Reading and graduates of Reading Memorial High School, operates three successful restaurants under the “Toscana” brand. These include the original Toscana Forno in Peabody, Toscana’s Ristorante in West Peabody, and Toscana Bar Italiano in Beverly. Brothers and co-owners Angelo and Lucio Perrina assured the Select Board that they would be present at the new location for at least 40 hours each week and that all staff responsible for alcohol service would be certified by TIPS.
New Location Features and Anticipated Opening Date
The new restaurant will span 6,770 square feet and will accommodate approximately 200 indoor seats along with 30 outdoor seats on a seasonal patio measuring 945 square feet. Additionally, the venue will feature a full-service bar with seating for 30 patrons. The menu will highlight Toscana Forno’s rustic Italian offerings, including brick-oven pizzas, fresh pasta, and hearty antipasti.
The Perrina brothers also plan to introduce a Sunday brunch service by spring or summer of 2026, pending town approvals. Renovations for the new location are slated to begin immediately, with an anticipated opening date projected for mid- to late-February 2026. Once operational, Toscana Forno is expected to create 50 to 60 jobs and contribute to Reading’s meals tax revenue, benefiting the local economy.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for the Perrina family, who have established a reputation for quality dining in the area. The new location in Reading aims to bring the same beloved flavors and warm atmosphere that patrons have come to expect from the Toscana brand. As the restaurant prepares for its opening, community members are eager to welcome this new addition to Reading’s dining scene.
