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Romito's transforms, offers new menu

By Sarah M. Corigliano

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW For 86 years the Romito family has been a part of the local community. What began as an olive oil importing company with John Romito's grandfather, Frank Romito, running the business in Springfield's South End has found success and stability in change.

When the business was passed on to Angelo Romito in the 1930s, the business morphed to feature imported olive oil and imported, ready to eat foods such as cold cuts.

When John Romito came along, Romito's became a popular deli which also offered imported foods and goodies, eventually adding gift baskets and catering to its repertoir. Thirty years ago the business moved to East Longmeadow.

"We listen to our customers, and the business is still here in the family after all these years," John Romito said.

The popular lunch spot on North Main Street recently announced that it will again alter its business to keep with the changing times; however, loyal lunch-goers need not worry about where they can get their favorite sandwiches and salads that menu and those hours will stay put.

At night, though, Romito's will undergo a face lift and offer dinners and take-out in a bistro atmosphere, featuring an ecclectic menu and wine, beer and cocktails.

Bistro Romito, which launches this week, will operate Wednesday through Saturday nights beginning at 5:30 p.m Tables have been added and a "soft closing," as Romito's wife, Rose, explained, will allow for staff to make the full transformation.

The change has also allowed Romito's to hire eight new part and full-time employees.

The menu has been crafted by chefs Sean Carey, or Chef Sean as he is known, and Warren Leigh. Carey is married to Jackie Romito, John's daughter.

The Romitos said the atmosphere at Bistro Romito will be relaxed and casual, the prices will be inexpensive but they said the food will be good.

Menu offerings range from pasta dishes to lamb, salmon, chicken and beef all with a variety of ethnic flavors, including Italian, of course, Irish, French (vichyssoise, anyone?) and more. There is also a dessert menu.

For reservations or more information, call Romito's at 525-6882.