After shutting down Tweet Balzano's Family Restaurant last year, the Balzano family has sold the Mt. Hope Avenue property where the landmark restaurant stood.

Ben Luke, a Warren restaurateur, bought the seven-acre property at 180 Mt. Hope Ave. for $775,000, according to Century 21 Topsail realtor Ryan Fonseca, who handled the sale. The transaction includes the 7.3 acre site and four structures — the building that housed the restaurant, the Story Land Preschool, a barn rented by a local landscaper and a small, vacant concrete block building. The business itself was not included in the sale, Mr. Fonseca said; just the property.

While Mr. Luke said while he wasn't necessarily looking to expand, he couldn't resist what could be a golden opportunity.

"Tweet's was such an institution, iconic in Bristol," Mr. Luke said. "When it came available, I just couldn't let it pass."

While it won't be Tweet's, the land may again host a restaurant. Mr. Luke already owns two Warren eateries — Luke's Inn at 650 Metacom Ave., and Lauren's Restaurant at 601 Metacom Ave. — and he is interested in leasing the building to another restaurateur, he said, possibly for a family-friendly buffet restaurant.

"We don't have a concrete plan, but we're leaning toward a buffet," Mr. Luke said. "There are a lot of great places in Bristol, but everything is high-end. There are no true family places anymore where you can bring the family out after a soccer game."

Mr. Luke said he is working on cleaning up the property of boats and debris that collected over the years, and considering options for the rest of the land, which is zoned for general business. The tenants on the land, including the preschool, will remain in place, he said.

Tweet's, which had been a Bristol landmark for more than 60 years, closed down just before Thanksgiving last year. The Balzano family closed the restaurant for vacation, planning to re-open on Friday, Nov. 28. Although Tweet’s website posted its anticipated menu for its return, listing its pasta, seafood and Italian-style dishes, the following was posted on the front door: “Due to equipment repairs we have extended our vacation. We will re-open soon. Thank you!!”

The restaurant had also fallen behind on its taxes at the time, owing the town of Bristol more than $91,000 in property tax and $1,300 in tangible tax. The property taxes have since been paid off, though the tangible tax bill remains, according to Deputy Town Treasurer Gary Marshall.