Joe Leone's Gastronomia in Sea Girt to close

Joe Leone's Gastronomia in Sea Girt, one of three Italian specialty markets owned by Joe Leone Introna, will close at the end of February.

The closure was announced on social media. The market's last day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.

"We are sad that this chapter of Joe Leone's is ending," the announcement read. "We've come to this difficult conclusion in order to better focus our resources on delivering the exceptional food and experience our guests have come to expect from Joe Leone's in our Point Pleasant and Manasquan locations."

Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties in Point Pleasant Beach and Joe Leone's Centro Market in Manasquan remain open.

The Sea Girt market, which opened 16 years ago, sells hot and cold prepared foods, sandwiches, desserts, Italian specialty items, and housemade bread and cheese.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Joe Leone: Gastronomia in Sea Girt to close