By Dave Matlow
The final papers have yet to be signed, but plans are nearing completion for a new Italian restaurant, Rizzuto’s Wood-Fired Trattoria and Bar, to take over the vacated Conte’s Restaurant in Westport’s Saugatuck area.
The former Conte’s Restaurant in Saugatuck will become Rizzuto’s Wood-Fired Trattoria and Bar by summer. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Owner Bill Rizzuto, who also operates similar style eateries in Bethel and West Hartford, said he expects to open at 540 Riverside Ave. by summer.
Rizzuto, formerly the general manager of the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich from 1996 to 2001 and with the same hotel chain in the San Francisco Bay area for two years, moved back to Connecticut in 2003 to enter the restaurant business.
As for opening a new business during the current economic downturn, Rizzuto said he is confident “that people still want to eat out as family entertainment.”
“It’s the upscale restaurants that have taken a beating,” he added.
He said his Westport restaurant will be “family friendly with a kids menu, a casual atmosphere without tablecloths and a place where a family of four can have dinner for under $30 – even when that includes a glass of wine.”
“We’re the kind of place where executives go with their families when they’re all in jeans,” Rizzuto said.
Born in Queens, N.Y. and raised in Long Island, Rizzuto, his wife and two teens reside in Bethel.
Great news! I can’t wait to sample their macaroni sauce (gravy).
Guess that ends my question of what will be at Contes. Nice timing. Now we just need to know if a market will be at Bridge Street.
I love Italian food and it works with the heritage of the neighborhood. If you include pizzarias, there sure are a bunch of places now, from Marios to Tuttis to Four brothers. Time to have the Italian taste off of Saugatuck.
I sure wouldn’t mind a thai or indian place opening up as well. Food diversity…………….
I wish them lots of good luck and business! Many people still stop me weekly saying they wished the old Arrow Restaurant was still open. While that is just a dream, hopefully Mr. Rizzutos philosophy will allow him the success the Arrow once had in as I know my family had shared the same sentiments in thought when serving people in our community.