The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘We feel free’
Patios, sidewalk tables greet diners in the mood for celebration
TORRINGTON — Bachi’s patio was a happy place to be Wednesday afternoon.
“We’re extra happy to reopen,” said owner Bachi Prevalla. Behind him, servers bustled back and forth from the patio area, while others answered the continuously ringing phone for takeout orders. All the staff were wearing masks, but not the customers.
“People are excited to come out. My employees are happy to be working. And I’m thankful to my loyal customers,” Prevalla said.
On the patio, the Alfano family, including Mike and Linda Alfano, their daughter Brittany Cocchiola, her husband Dan and their two small children, Levi and Lily, were eating dinner.
“We feel free,” Linda Alfano said. “And we’re having a great meal. It’s heaven to be outside.”
Jim Rinaldi, of Wolcott, and Bill Stajos were munching hors d’oeuvres and sipping beer.
“Of course we’re happy the place is open,” Rinaldi said. “It’s about time. If Walmart can be packed with people, there’s no reason other legitimate businesses shouldn’t be open, too.”
“We came to support our friend, Bachi,” Stajos said.
Val and Mark Teggi were also happy to be sitting at a table with food and wine.
“This is awesome,” Val Teggi said. “We’ve been coming here for 20 years, and it’s so nice to be outside. I got dressed up. I’m sick of
wearing sweats every day.”
In a corner table, girlfriends Lauren Kirchner and Natalie Wilcox of Harwinton and Catie Alexson of Norfolk said they were glad to be back at their “mutual meeting place.”
“We’re celebrating,” Kirchner said. “Natalie just got a new job.”
Next door, at the Venetian Restaurant, the owners set up a big tent in the rear parking area, with cafe tables spread 6 feet apart underneath. Takeout business was brisk, said Marilena DiLullo-Gillette, restaurant manager and co-owner, who arrived wearing a face mask. All the waitstaff were also wearing masks and gloves in some cases.
“I was excited about opening, but nervous too, because we don’t know what’s going to happen,” DiLulloGillette said. “People were very happy to come for dinner, and we’ve been taking reservations.
“Opening like this, it’s baby steps,” she said. “I’m just glad to see customers enjoying their food.”
Customers included Jim Upton and Marlene Newman.
“We’ve been craving a night out,” Newman said, sipping a glass of red wine.
“They should have been allowed to open up sooner,” Upton said. “I’m disappointed the gyms haven’t opened yet.”
In Winsted, ABC Pizza House owner Ted Sidiropoulos said his takeout business has always been solid.
“We’re very lucky that way,” he said. “I feel bad for other restaurant owners who have families, who haven’t been able to open until now.”
Outside the pizza restaurant, four tables with umbrellas were ready for evening dinner guests, and a single diner was enjoying the late afternoon sun.
Asked if he thought the gradual process of reopening the state was a good idea, Sidiropoulos shook his head. “I’m sure the state doesn’t know
“I was excited about opening, but nervous too, because we don’t know what’s going to happen. People were very happy to come for dinner, and we’ve been taking reservations. Opening like this, it’s baby steps. I’m just glad to see customers enjoying their food.”
Marilena DiLullo-Gillette, manager and co-owner, Venetian Restaurant
what they’re doing,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Little Red Barn Brewers has been selling beer to go since the shutdown in March, and co-owners Nils Johnson and Nate Day were busy at the bar. They are planning to open for Memorial Day weekend with picnic tables on their patio.
“Beer sales are going well. We’ve been able to cover our monthly bills,”
Johnson said. “Unfortunately, we had to lay off seven employees, but we’re bringing people back to work now. We don’t know what to expect, really.”
In addition to restaurants, retail stores, malls and museums were on the phase one reopening list. Hair salons were initially on the list, but their reopening date was changed to June 2.