More than 200 people turned out for Wednesday's grand re-opening of T&J Restaurant in its new location at 10 Pearl St.
After 26 years, T&J's moved its tiny, popular eatery from 227 Westchester Ave. to much larger facilities at the former Town of Rye Courthouse. There, T&J comfortably seats more than 100 people indoors, 60 people on an outdoor patio and caters to more than 100 guests in a fifth-floor penthouse banquet hall.
After thriving at T&J’s Westchester Avenue location since 1990, co-owners John Ruggiero of Mount Vernon and Ray Sassano of Hawthorne decided to move to a larger location to accommodate their ever-growing customer base.
The newly constructed restaurant offers a casual atmosphere where everyone is made to feel like family. In the Italian culture, food is love and with the help of Ruggiero’s mother, Filomena Ruggiero, and Sassano’s mother-in-law, Grace Vitiello, they create classic, family recipes, proudly passed down from generation to generation.
Ruggiero’s and Sassano’s wives, Veronica and Gina, also play a special role by getting to know their customers personally and forming wonderful relationships. It’s truly a unique dining experience where every relative is part of the secret family recipe of amazing food and personalized service.
“Our family has been in the food business since the 1950s and we're excited to continue the tradition at our new location,'' John Ruggiero said. "We're able to offer our friends and customers, the same great food at the same great prices in a newly-renovated space."
Ruggiero also noted that there is plenty of free, convenient parking in the lot across Pearl Street as well as gelato and an intimate wine/beer bar.
T&J is a classic Italian restaurant that serves authentic, Neapolitan cuisine and gourmet pizza.
"We set ourselves apart with our new pasta machine; which helps us make fresh, homemade pasta daily," Ruggiero added.
T&J Restaurant’s new location also has delivery service, speedy takeout as well as a fifth-floor penthouse for private parties and special events/fundraisers.
Proudly decorated with their children’s/grandchildren’s photos, T&J has been a family-owned and operated restaurant for two generations. It has become a neighborhood staple in Port Chester and surrounding communities.
T&J keeps the tradition of being a family-run restaurant, serving friends and customers a meal "just like Nonna used to make," Ruggiero said.
Earlier Daily Voice coverage of Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino's guest appearance at the grand re-opening can be found by clicking here.
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