When asked what was moving into the vacant space between historic Mader's restaurant and The Spice House on Old World Third St., a worker replied, "Giovanni's, it's getting there."

According to City of Milwaukee records, Old World Third, LLC owns the building at 1033 N. Old World St. and sources say that this 17,464-sq. ft., building --built in 1870 -- is owned by the Giovanni family. Several sources also confirm that the family has plans to open a restaurant and/or bar/lounge in the space.

If this is indeed the case, it could mark a return to the Milwaukee dining scene for Giovanni's and possibly for Giovanni and Rosa Safina, who in September 2006 sold their legendary Brady Street restaurant to a development group. As OnMilwaukee.com first reported, DigiCopy and possibly another restaurant are opening at the former Giovanni's site, 1683 N. Van Buren St.

Another possibility, if the worker's information is correct, is that Giuseppe Safina, Giovanni's son and co-owner of Centanni cocktail and piano lounge at 218 N. Water St., is working with his family to open a new, next generation Giovanni's.

Calls to Centanni have not been returned. OnMilwaukee.com will continue to attempt to contact the restaurant owners in our attempt to confirm this information of yet another local restaurant opening. Stay tuned.