ANTONIO’S RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AND THREE GENERATIONS, Simsbury, CT

On Saturday, June 28th 2014, Antonio’s Restaurant of Simsbury, Connecticut will celebrate 50 years in business.  Please join Steven and his staff, his father Tom and Uncle Lou to celebrate this impressive milestone at the restaurant at 1185 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury that day from 4pm to 8 pm EST. Everyone is welcome, especially the loyal customers and alumni who have become part of the extended Antonio family. 

To commemorate this Golden Anniversary, Antonio’s will offer a “Buy Two for $19.64” special on original menu items such as spaghetti and meatball, cheese ravioli, 16” hot oven grinders and large pizza with one topping.   In addition, every table will be a guaranteed raffle winner with prizes ranging from free beverages to $50 gift certificates and many other cool surprises, as well as free cake for all.

It is with great pride that owner Steven Antonio thanks his parents for teaching him the work ethic and love for the business that has driven him to carry on their success.  Serving the local community a delicious, affordable product with a smile every day takes dedication and love.  Antonio’s has become a renowned landmark in the Farmington Valley proving that small businesses can be successful and endure. 

Thomas and his wife Estelle Antonio opened the business in Simsbury's North Village on Sunday June 28, 1964.  Ten years later, they moved the restaurant across the street to its present location where they successfully grew the business into a popular local landmark.  Tom’s brother, Louis Antonio, also joined in to help as the restaurant continued to grow.  Over the years, many family heirlooms started to show up on the shelves and walls. Today, the restaurant has taken on an eclectic collector’s paradise with tchotchke in every nook and cranny.

Steven, as well as his two sisters, Leah and Mary, grew up helping out at the family business. Steven met his wife Lisa at Antonio’s when he was a 17 year old “pizza cook” and she was a 16 year old “salad girl”. They now have three children, Katherine, Tommy and Johnny, who have also begun helping out at the restaurant.

After 30 years at the helm, Tom and Estelle gracefully retired to Florida and sold the business to their son, Steven.  Steven had finally completed his growth from dishwasher to maintenance and cook to general manager and finally owner.  He expanded the business to include a sports bar in 1993 called Hoops N’ Hops.  This lively neighborhood bar offers live music every Friday and Saturday evening with no cover charge and continues to be a town favorite.  Please join the Antonio’s in celebrating this milestone event on Saturday June 28th.