"Rom’s Restaurant in Sturbridge has closed, according to Romaldo Roscioli, who with other members of the Roscioli family owned the place. Rom’s was in business for 56 years, according to a press release.
The release also reported that Romaldo’s at the Hearthstone, Route 20, Sturbridge, would open later in the fall. Romaldo’s reportedly will feature a menu similar to Rom’s.
Romaldo Roscioli said he could not comment on the closing of Rom’s or the opening of the new business."
-- Worcester Telegram & Gazette September 11, 2008
It is a sad day when an institution like Rom's throws in the towel. I wonder what the reason is for the relocation? I don't think it is lack of customers. I presume the offer to sell the property on 131 was just to good to pass up However, they will be sorely missed at the old location.
ReplyDeleteKazien
I agree. Roms is a very special place to many of us. Weddings, special occassions, and of course the pizza with team! We miss you already!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that after 52 years, a business that is well known and loved in the community is closing, but let's not make it more negative than that. There is no mystery to it; they didn't 'throw in the towel' which implies surrender. They don't lack of customers and they have weathered upturns and declines over 50 some odd years - they were very successful and remained so. Didja ever think they just wanted to downsize the business? Family owned businesses, especially one that has had such great success and following as long as they have don't last forever. Nothing does. I applaud Rom's for being such a huge staple in this community; for making a smart move that can be more easily managed, and for staying in Sturbridge.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
We bought our first lobster roll in 1977 at Rom's when we were tourists from Arizona. Later, we moved East and gave Rom's our business any time we were in the area. Yesterday, we drove over and found out the sad news. It's just losing another piece of our past. Our best wishes go out to the people who gave us so many great meals.
ReplyDeleteWe were planning our annual trip to Sturbridge for this October (2009) and were saddened to learn that Rom's had closed last year. Every time we visited Sturbridge, we enjoyed the scrumptous food that the restaurant provided us. Our favorite was the Thursday Night Special. We will miss the great meals and service, but we will always retain the fond memories.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Hearthstone Inn and Romaldo's Restaurant on Main Street in Sturbridge. The family, and menu live on!!
ReplyDeleteI just stopped in Sturbridge largely to have lunch at Roms...was I shocked. We had lunch at the mexican place that opened there...nice place...but no Roms...I had to google what was going on..good to hear there is still a Roms open...have to try it next visit.
ReplyDeleteJust saw that Rom's closed. What a shame. We need more places like it instead of less.
ReplyDeleteRoms food can be purchased at McNucks Market on Main Street in Fiskdale, and the Roms menu, prepared by the Roms cook, can be had at the Hearthstone Inn on Main Street.
ReplyDeleteAnd, one more thing, many of us here in town do miss Rom's, but having the foods we remember still available is great. give both the locations I mentioned above a try. The dishes are just as you remember them.
ReplyDeleteIn the sixties we summered on Lake Quacumquassett (sp?) and the trip to Rom's for the all you can eat buffet was the highlight of the week.
ReplyDeleteI went back several years ago with my son and was pleased. I amglad that I shared this memory with him.
Ed
Ed, thanks for sharing your memories with us as well.
ReplyDeleteMY RELATIVES USED TO OWN THE INDIAN VILLAGE RESTAURANT AND MOTEL IN BRIMFIELD MA ON ROUTE 20 LONG AGO. AFTER GETTING OFF WORK I WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO A GRINDER FROM ROMS. GREAT MEMORIES OF SUMMERS SPENT GROWING UP IN BRIMFIELD.
ReplyDeleteSo many great memories. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteRom's had amazing meatballs, spaghetti, and garlic bread. Their take-out fried chicken and meatball burgers: totally awesome.
ReplyDeleteLived in Sturbridge throughout the 60's and ate often
ReplyDeleteat Rom's. Worked at CPC Engineering and often had
Wednesday night Shrimp Cocktail specials. We lived just
up the hill on Fiske Hill and could walk down for
ice cream.
chuck
Stopped there yesterday after we visited Sturbridge village to pick up some Italian cookies my wife fondly remembered. We couldn't find the place and later discovered that it closed 9 years ago! What a shock! Had many a lunch there with my family.
ReplyDeleteA little further down Route 131 the Roms family has a store that sells many of the treats you fondly remember.
DeleteI remembered working at Rom’s In my high school year part time. I really miss the people and the great food that they serve here. The atmosphere of the restaurant felt just right at home.
ReplyDeleteThe meat ravioli (about 4" across each, and several on the plate) was the best I've ever had, anywhere; I must have ordered it fifty times over the years, and still remember it well. Can this be had at all anymore, or is it now lost to history?
ReplyDelete