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Date: 10/6/2016
HOLYOKE – Since their first location on Jackson Street, Capri Pizza has a been an anchor in South Holyoke, serving diners and the community for 50 years. Owner Fiore Santaniello was honored by city officials, friends, family and customers at the “Taste of South Holyoke.”
Santaniello was joined by his wife, Rosa, sons, Sal, Gennaro and Alfonso during a special ceremony led by Ward City Councilor Nelson Roman and Mayor Alex B. Morse, who presented the longtime owner with a mayoral proclamation.
Santaniello's uncle, Giochino Liquori founded Capri Pizza in 1966 on Jackson Street. The shop was moved in 1973 to its current 18 Cabot St., location. Fiore purchased the restaurant from his uncle in 1988. The restaurant underwent a major renovation in in 2000, which tripled the seating space.
“Like a pizza, there are a lot of ingredients to success,” Santaniello said. He thanked longtime employees Steve Marshall and Albert Miranda for their dedication and friendship. “We wouldn't be as strong was we are.”
Over Capri's 50 years, Santaniello said many people wore the Capri Pizza employee t-shirt, with many being kids who grew up in the tight-knit neighborhood. Renowned for their hospitality, good food and giant-sized party pizza, the restaurant celebrated their deep roots in the community.
Kathleen Anderson, president of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, said Capri “stuck it out” during a particular trying time a few years ago. Delays in the completion of the Willimansett Bridge project subjected Capri and nearby businesses to significant losses.
The bridge's main contractor filed bankruptcy in U.S. District Court more than halfway through the project. State officials in Holyoke and Chicopee, including state Rep. Aaron Vega, state Rep. Joseph Wagner and state Sen. Donald Humason R-Westfield implored officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the project's main bonding company, AIG, to restart the project.
The project was eventually completed and the steady flow of traffic resumed. Vega and Humason were on hand for the celebration.
“They’ve been a staple in this community. There’re many people like them and we give them all the credit,” Anderson said. “We’re so happy they’re here.”
In a special announcement, Santaniello said he will award a $1,000 scholarship to a student of Puerto Rican descent from South Holyoke or The Flats.
Santaniello was joined on stage by City Councilors Gladys Lebron-Martinez, a high school classmate, Joseph M. McGiverin, James Leahy, Diosdado Lopez and David Bartley.