New joint for Junior's coming in Colchester
There's nothing diminutive about Junior's - not since the news that the Colchester Italian restaurant is doubling in size. Due to the unseasonably warm winter, owner Frankie Salese Jr. was able to break ground in December on a brand-new building behind the neighboring Burger King.
The Vermont version of Junior's - the family owns three other operations in Long Island - has been in the same Colchester strip mall since it opened 15 years ago. Why move now? Says Salese, "We needed more space and better working facilities for my employees." He adds, "We needed more room for the customers as well. We had to turn away a lot of people, especially on weekends."
It sounds like space won't be a problem in the new digs. Salese reports that the $1.6 million building will boast 150 seats. Does this mean they'll combine the pizza and fine dining operations? Fuhgeddaboudit. One side of the outfit will house the pizzeria and bakery; the other will feature the restaurant and a full bar. This means you'll still be able to grab a pizza Margherita or a meatball sub and some cannoli to go, or take your time over a plate of chicken Francese or shrimp Scampi on cappellini.
Both the casual and fancier menus will expand to fit the space. The pizzeria will feature buffalo wings, Philly cheese steaks and panini. The restaurant will add a steak entrée and a daily fish option. The pastries? They're perfect the way they are.
Look for all your Italian faves in the new spot this spring.