Mid-winter is traditionally a slow time, in the Old Mill neighborhood.
But there’s plenty of action there now. And a ton of buzz.
Soon — perhaps within a few days — Old Mill Grocery & Deli will reopen.
The new operators are old Westport friends: the folks at Romanacci.
It’s an ideal match, says Jim Hood, one of 5 founders of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance. The non-profit bought the former Joey’s by the Shore (and before that, Elvira’s and Kenny’s) 2 years ago, to save it from possible demolition.
Old Milll Grocery & Deli (Photo/Matt Murray)
The first SEA operators, The Granola Bar, left in September. The original market was established in 1919.
In addition to great experience running popular restaurants by the train station, and in Norwalk and Trumbull, owners Graziano and Mauricio Ricci ran a coffee-and-breakfast spot on Railroad Place.
“They know how to make an omelet and espresso,” Hood says. “They breathe hospitality. They’ll make a real commitment to breakfast, lunch and dinner.” That includes a “robust offering” of grab-and-go meals, plus a modest selection of groceries and sundries, like their restaurant and the old Elvira’s.
The Ricci brothers “understand the significance of this place — historically, and to the neighborhood,” Hood says.
“And they’re fully committed to the second part of our mission: training people with special needs, and helping make them employable.”
The Riccis — who will keep the Old Mill Grocery name, adding “by Romanacci” — have made significant changes to the interior. It’s got a new floor, a large community table, and — like their restaurant — an open kitchen, like Elvira’s had.
The new operators are “incredibly open to feedback,” Hood says. They’ve already hung a suggestion box on the wall.
One suggestion they’re eager to implement: a return to house accounts. Elvira’s binder was always full.
Over a dozen operators were interested in taking over when The Granola Bar left, Hood says.
“There were plenty of talented people. But the Romanacci team rose above the rest, in both operational excellence and unbridled enthusiasm.”
The Riccis have been there often in the past 2 months, making sure they’re ready to serve the Old Mill neighborhood — and everyone passing by — the way they want to be served.
An opening date will be announced soon.
From left: general manager Davis Johnson, Mauricio and Graziano Ricci, and chef Jose Siguencia, in the newly revamped Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
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Very nice. Big fan of them.
Hallelujah and Hooray 🙌🏻👏🏻✨✨✨✨
Such great news!
Fantastic news. Thanks all who made this possible.
Wonderful news!!! Can’t wait to visit.
Moved away from up the block but sounds wonderful. PLEASE FIX THE DAMN FRONT STEPS – it was an accident waiting to happen during the entire reign of Granola Bar… this ikd briad mentioned 6 times and it was never fixed.
Already fixed, Stephanie!
Wonderful, wonderful!! Very happy news!
Congratulations, Romanacci! Can’t wait to check it out!
Who are the Rizzos?
Jiim Hood, Ian Warburg and Chris Tait, a terrific trio to whom we all owe our gratitude. I hope by mentioning only those three, I have not ignored others who were drivers to continue this super place. Good people make a difference.
would be nice if they could take over the 1/2 way house at Longshore and the Compo Beach shack as well 😎
Fantastic news – and the Ricci brothers are a wonderful choice to operate Kenny’s – Elvira’s – The Old Mill Grocery & Deli. They deserve our support, and they will will definitely earn our support
Thank you Chris, Ian, Jim, and all the others who have been part of saving, and preserving this wonderful property, and piece of Westport history.
Now if you can only get that “Blue Monster” sold and finished 🙂
Best news!!!
Love their pizza and other offerings (satisfying my sweet tooth ). If you’re ever at SONO mall, they’re around the corner from Pinstripes Bowling. Nice people. Good food. Awesome that they’re on board!!!