Tag Archives: The Arrow

Remembering Tommy Nistico

Posted on November 7, 2026 | 10 comments

Thomas Nistico, Sr. — known universally as “Tommy,” and a member of the beloved Nistico family who epitomized old Saugatuck as owners of the Arrow restaurant, then served new generations when they revived the famed Red Barn — died yesterday. He was 76

The son of Virginia and Frank Nistico Jr., he grew up in Westport and graduated from Staples High School. He furthered his education at  Staunton Military Academy and Memphis State University, before dedicating the rest of his life to his family’s restaurant businesses.

Tommy was an avid sports fan, from football and golf to boxing and fishing. Especially important to him was his involvement in youth sports, and mentoring young children.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joan Domalewski Nistico; sons Thomas Jr. & his fiancée Charissa, and Daryl (Lisa); siblings Frank III, Lou, Pam, Richard, and brother-in-law Ron Domalewski, plus many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

He was predeceased by his younger brother John.

Visitation is set for Monday (November 9, 4 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk). A funeral service will be held Tuesday (November 10, 10 a.m., St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk)

In lieu of flowers, he requested any donations be made to the The Navy Seals. Checks can be written to the Navy League; in the memo line, write “for the RDAC Program.” Checks can be mailed to Captain Andrew Bisset, 18 Canfield Drive, Stamford, CT. 06902.

Tommy Nistico

10 Comments

Posted in Obituaries, Restaurants, Saugatuck

Tagged , ,

Friday Flashback #428

Posted on December 6, 2024 | 27 comments

There’s a new pizza place in town.

Riko’s took over the space vacated in May of 2022 by Mystic Market.

The building just off I-95 Exit 17 has come full circle.

Before Mystic Market it was the Blu Parrot restaurant, bar and music venue. Earlier, it was Jasmine — an Asian fusion spot.

But earlier — for several decades, starting in the mid-1900s — the space across from the train station parking lot and Luciano Park was the Arrow.

It was legendary.

At a time when there were far fewer restaurants in Saugatuck and the rest of Westport, the Arrow served great Italian food, at affordable prices.

It was where generations of Westporters got their first jobs. (And learned the challenges and rewards of hard work.)

It was where families celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, sports banquets, graduations.

It was where New York Giants football players ate, drank and hung out, during pre-season at Fairfield University.

And it was where the Nistico family — the longtime, loving and beloved owners — welcomed everyone, every day.

Lou Nistico, son of the Arrow’s founders.

Like every restaurateur, they offered food and drinks. But they did far more.

If anyone needed anything — money, clothes, a helping hand — the Nisticos were there. They took care of you, no questions asked. In doing so, they took care of Westport.

They set the standard for what a restaurant, and its owners, could and should be.

Tommy Nistico, back in the day.

After they sold the building (and took over The Red Barn), the Arrow cycled through different businesses.

But it still looks pretty much like its heyday.

And, once again, there’s Italian foodo on the menu.

FUN FACT: Charles Street was not the Arrow’s original location.

It opened first where Franklin Street runs into Saugatuck Avenue — which looks a bit like an arrow. Today it’s another restaurant, with a different cuisine: Lomito’s Peruvian.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

27 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Restaurants, Saugatuck

Tagged , , ,

Friday Flashback #225

Posted on January 1, 2021 | 27 comments

Of all the Friday Flashbacks I post, it’s these — collections of bygone businesses or restaurants — that resonate the most.

This match collection comes courtesy of Scott Beck. He now owns Little Barn — but it’s clear the Staples High School graduate’s restaurant chops go back a long way.

Some of these are classics, like Three Bears, Mario’s, The Arrow and Ships.

Some — The Mushroom and L’Arbalète — I don’t remember at all.

Davy Jones deserves special mention. It preceded the Black Duck.

But my favorite — though I don’t remember it either — is not a restaurant at all.

Anyone know anything about The Octopus: “t-shirt and head-shop”?

Those were the days.

(Collage courtesy of Scott Beck)

27 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Restaurants

Tagged , , ,