In 1978 the local stores and franchise business were sold to an out of state franchisee, however the new Italian Place owners struggled for various reasons, defaulted on their purchase, closed the stores and left town. In 1980 the previous bought back the Italian Place equipment at an auction for the 2 Provo stores and the Orem store. They reopened those 3 stores and eventually several full service restaurants (The Underground, Caddy’s, Viva Spaghetti). When the leases were up on the 2 Provo Italian Places during the 80’s, neither land lord would renew because they wanted relatives to open their own sandwich operations in the locations. By 1990, The Italian Place was down to the one Orem store and an occasional franchise here and there.