Scott Stein thinks it's probably better that he and Antimo DiMeo didn't get the space they initially wanted for Bardea Food & Drink, the Italian restaurant the partners are opening in downtown Wilmington. Stein says five years ago they had settled on a site near Fourth and Market streets. But, for a variety of reasons, the space didn't work out. It's now home to Merchant Bar, a popular eatery owned by La Fia restaurateurs Bryan and Andrea Sikora.

Still, their dream of an Italian eatery didn't die. It just took a few more years and a move three blocks away. But, by this time next week (and possibly sooner), the pair plans to begin welcoming customers to their new 120-seat restaurant.  Bardea, on the corner of Seventh and North Market streets, takes over the space formerly occupied by Kennedy Fried Chicken. It also is the latest eatery to open on the city's North Market Street thoroughfare.