Another chapter is ending for Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Romanacci — operators of the iconic, 107-year-old beachside market — will not renew their lease.
Graziano and Maurizio Ricci — owners of Romanacci — will turn their attention to the continued growth of their business. They open a new Romanacci restaurant in Darien this fall.
In a heartfelt note to “Friends, Neighbors & Our Amazing Community,” the Riccis say:
After 3 wonderful years at OMG, we’ve decided it’s time for us to begin a new chapter.
Despite some very challenging times, it was still, without a doubt, worth every single minute.
(Photo/Dave Dellinger)
From the very beginning, your support, friendship and loyalty have meant more to us than we can put into words.
You welcomed us into this community, supported us, celebrated with us, and made this place feel like so much more than just a business. It became part of our family.
Saturday morning, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
And because of that, we want to say “thank you” the best way we know how: with a community party. We invite everyone to join us for one last special evening together.
On Tuesday, September 29, starting at 5 p.m. we’ll have food, drinks, and a little gift for each one of you — and for your beloved four-legged friends — as a small way of showing our appreciation for everything you have done for us over these 3 years.
And please remember: This is not goodbye. It’s a see you later.
For everyone who has contributed to the prepaid house account, we want you to know that your support does not disappear with the closing of this chapter. We will honor those accounts at all of our Romanacci locations.
We are also committed to doing everything we can to help Soundview Empowerment Alliance and the next operator make the transition as smoothly as possible. Our hope is that OMG remains open, thriving, and part of this wonderful community for another 100 years.
Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and making these 3 years truly unforgettable.
We hope to see every one of you on September 29 so we can raise a glass, share some food, and celebrate the memories we created together.
With love and gratitude,
The Romanacci Family
The OMG crew, 2025.
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Soundview Empowerment Alliance — owners of Old Mill Grocery & Deli — say:
Soundview Empowerment Alliance could not have asked for better partners or stewards of this special place.
From the moment they became tenants and stewards of Old Mill Grocery & Deli, they understood and fully embraced SEA’s mission of “preserving history and serving good,” supporting both with their trademark grace and enthusiasm.
They leaned in creatively and did their best to bring the community together, offering great food and drink, friendly service and accessible prices.
Among the Romanacci innovations: special candlelight dinners at the communal table. (Photo/Carol Alexander)
They also worked through some significant and costly challenges along the way, maintaining their composure, commitment and good humor throughout.
Our hats are off to them, and we wish them every success with their next (ad)ventures.
In anticipation of their departure at the end of this month, SEA has been working hard to identify the next operator to carry on OMG&D’s more than 107-year tradition of serving the community with food, beverage, convenience and connection.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli, decades ago.
We are in active discussions with several strong prospective operators, including successful well-known local operators. Each brings considerable experience, energy and an understanding of this community. We are optimistic that one of them will emerge as the right partner to carry the stewardship of OMG&D into its next chapter.
While Romanacci’s chapter at OMG&D is coming to a close, OMG&D itself is very much continuing, and SEA remains committed to preserving this historic gathering place for generations to come.
With enormous gratitude to our wonderful community and supporters,
Jim Hood & Ian Warburg, on behalf of Soundview Empowerment Alliance
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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