Fort Worth restaurateurs Gigi Howell and Bourke Harvey have taken on a new old place — Margie’s Original Italian Kitchen, a Westland establishment since its founding in 1953 by Italian immigrants Tina Lozzi and her daughter, Margie.

Howell, Harvey and other partners purchased the restaurant at 9805 Camp Bowie W. Blvd. from its current owner, Keith Kidwell.

Howell and Harvey will close Margie’s for two months for improvements, including a fresh look and menu additions. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant can accommodate about 120 guests.

“We feel incredibly grateful and humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying on the tradition of Margie’s Original Italian Kitchen,” says Howell, operating partner of the Westland Restaurant Group. “We have deep roots in this community and a strong commitment to preserving the spirit of Margie’s, which has always been about great food, warm hospitality and a sense of belonging.”

The refreshed Margie’s will bring more new life to an old stretch of Highway 80 known as Westland. Howell grew up in Westland and Harvey in Fort Worth. The two, with partners, most recently launched JD’s Hamburgers, next door to Margie’s. A recent storm forced the temporary closure of JD’s for repairs. Margie’s will provide new opportunities for some of the staff at JD’s, they say. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue is another recent addition to Westland.

“We are excited to bring some new energy to Margie’s while remaining true to the restaurant’s rich history and tradition,” Howell says. “We are committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone in the community feels at home, just like they always have at Margie’s.”