Local restaurant patrons said good bye to the Westford Grille on Thursday, but they will be able to say hello to a new restaurant at the same location in mid-August.

Mangia Mangia, a family-style Italian restaurant in the center of Billerica, will be opening its doors at the now former location of the Grille after renovations and preparations for the opening.

All Westford Grille employees will be offered an opportunity for employment at the new restaurant following training in Billerica as well as TIPS training and Servsafe training courses.

Mangia Mangia co-owner Larry Colleran hopes that Westford can provide a similar atmosphere to the steady growth he's seen at his Billerica location since it opened seven years ago.

"We liked the location, and I think we can pull some of our familiar customer base that is already familiar with us from nearby into what is a great community," said Colleran. "We're full quite a bit in Billerica and we've had people people asking for a bigger location with a bar, and this was close by."

Colleran also noted that the function center previously rented by the Westford Grille will also continue to be rented for functions, and that Westford Grille gift certificates would be honored at the new Mangia Mangia location.

Westford Grille employees declined to comment on the story and Westford Grille owner Bob Moran could not be reached for comment.

More information on Mangia Mangia is available on their website.