Murfreesboro, TN - For those cruising down East Main Street near the Murfreesboro square, a familiar sight may now feel unfamiliar. The charming house-turned-restaurant at 114 E. College Street—once home to Milano II—is now quiet, its windows dark, and a “for rent” sign posted out front. Milano II reopened in mid-2014 under the care of chef and owner Jack Barakat, who returned to the local dining scene after a five-year break. Barakat had previously run the original Milano’s near the mall for nearly a decade before closing it, always holding onto the dream of reopening in the right place. That dream took shape in the heart of downtown, where he transformed the historic structure into a warm, Old World-style Italian villa.

Through the years, Milano II became more than a restaurant—it became a community fixture. Even during the pandemic, when many businesses struggled to stay afloat, Barakat and his team gave back, serving meals to those in need and offering comfort through cuisine.

Though the doors have closed, the story isn’t over. According to their official website, Milano II has relocated and continues to offer catering services for weddings, showers, and special events. The building may be empty, but the legacy of generosity, flavor, and heart lives on in Murfreesboro’s memory.