SMYRNA, Ga. — A Smyrna Italian restaurant that has been a staple in the area for the last four decades -- with a claim to fame that its eggplant parmesan helped send thousands past their due date go into labor -- says it's closing up its landmark kitchen for good.
Scalini's Italian Restaurant wrote on its Facebook page Monday that it will no longer operate at its Cobb Parkway location in Smyrna. The restaurant's last day of operation was Sunday, Aug. 7.
In the post, the restaurant thanked all of their customers through the years, as well as all its employees "past and present."
"Thank You! Thanks for being a part of our wonderful forty-two years," the restaurant wrote.
In a statement to 11Alive, the restaurant said the decision to close the Smyrna location was prompted by difficulties with staffing. A representative with the restaurant said the troubles -- felt by many food establishments since the pandemic -- have curbed their ability to book large parties like work parties, wedding rehearsals and others that were the business' "bread and butter."
But, those who still have a craving for Scalini's "world-famous" garlic rolls (and those hoping to get a bite of the famed eggplant parm to speed up the labor process) are in luck: the restaurant's sister-restaurant Provino's will still be serving them up.
11Alive first wrote about the restaurant's eggplant parmesan back in 2017, when the manager spoke to TODAY Food about the seemingly magical dish.
Dozens of testimonies said that after eating the parmesan, parents were cradling new bundles of joy soon after (give or take a few days). Some even reportedly went into labor before they got their check.
But, as expected, it doesn't work for every mom-to-be. A few reported not feeling a thing after eating the dish -- however, all say it was still delicious.
As to what's behind the parm's supposed power, that's still up for debate. However, the restaurant's manager said it has to do with the special mix of enzymes in the eggplant, herbs, spices and those extra-large portions.
What's not up for debate: how "almost every visitor to our restaurant has enjoyed looking" at the famous "Baby Wall" of pictures.
"To all the members of our Eggplant Baby Club, thank you for sharing in the most wonderful time of a family experience," the restaurant wrote. "You have enriched the atmosphere of our restaurant."
"Thanks again for allowing us to stay in Smyrna for such a long time," the restaurant closed.