By Robin Chung

WESTPORT — After 12 years, Bill Taibe and Massimo Tullio, the team behind a triumvirate of Westport’s most celebrated restaurants, have decided to split the tab. 

Their local restaurants — Don Memo, The Whelk and Kawa Ni — with popular menus, lively atmospheres and elevated concepts, pioneered Westport’s evolution into a dining destination.

Tullio takes Don Memo and The Whelk, while Taibe takes Kawa Ni in Westport and Denver under their new ownership arrangement.

“After taking some time to look back, our partnership has been a great experience; we accomplished a lot,” said Taibe. “Together, Massimo and I built something special, creating beloved dining destinations and fostering a community of passionate staff and loyal guests.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and equally excited to see what the future holds for both of us,” he added.

Taibe, now living roughly half of his time in Denver — “Home is where my dogs are” — gave assurances that their dining dynasty will remain alive and well. It’s just that, well, “I thought, how much longer can I do this? And I want to ski.” 

Taibe, who has toiled, and triumphed, in the restaurant industry for almost 30 years, intentionally kept the restaurants within a mile of each other so he could “be a micromanager.” 

He maintains his unique concepts, based on travels.

Don Memo is elevated Mexican named after a beloved employee; Kawa Ni is modeled after Japanese izikia (pub), and The Whelk is a “public private club“ serving fresh seafood and local produce.

All three were food concepts, he said, where, “I jump, then I think, ‘Oh, @&% what did I do?’ ” 

Both restaurateurs will continue to focus on their employees’ wellbeing, many of whom have worked there for years. “This industry can be toxic, so [we’re] trying to create a healthy atmosphere,” Taibe says.

In a joint statement, Tullio and Taibe state, “We deeply appreciate the support of our community over the years. To our guests, staff and partners: thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. 

“We look forward to serving you in our respective new ventures and can’t wait to see what the future holds,” they added.

Robin Chung is a freelance writer.