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.
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