Casual Cafe Morso Closes Its Pearl District Location

Casual Italian cafe/gelateria Morso has closed its Pearl District location last week, slightly more than a year after opening. Portland Monthly was first to spot the shutter, which only affects the spot's NW location near Powell's Books (Morso's outpost in the Bridgeport Village shopping center remains open, business as usual). According to a Facebook announcement:

"As our cost[s] have become to[o] much to bear, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Morso, effective May 23, 2013. The people of Pearl welcomed us with open arms, and for that I will be forever grateful. We have developed many friendships and loyal customers over the time, and I shall miss them. Many thanks to my staff, customers and the great people of Portland and the Pearl! Thank you for being a part of MORSO over the last year. I wish you all the best life has to offer."

Morso (Italian for "morsel") debuted in the Pearl last May as a new cafe concept by Mio Gelato founder Bob Lightman and longtime Bluehour chef Kenny Giambalvo; both locations transitioned existing Mio Gelato scoop shops into full-fledged cafes. Giambalvo stepped down from day-to-day operations five months later; he's currently the chef at Edgefield's Black Rabbit restaurant.
· Morso [Official site]
· All Previous Morso Coverage [Eater PDX]