WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A line stretched out the door to Washington Street on Wednesday as customers said goodbye to Vito’s Gourmet.
The popular downtown Watertown sandwich shop closed its doors for the final time after 13 years in business.
“When we found out that Vito’s was closing, we also were very sad in a way because we really rely on this place for our lunches,” said Krista Barker, a customer.
Owner Todd Tarzia opened Vito’s Gourmet in 2012 inside the Paddock Arcade, serving soups, salads, baked goods and specialty sandwiches like the Michelangelo, the Marlon Brando and El Diablo.
Customers say goodbye
As customers ordered their favorites Wednesday, they learned it was the shop’s final day open.
“Oh my God, I was devastated, there’s nothing else around here, unless you wanna go to like big chains,” said Regina Peck, a customer.
On its final day, the soup counter was empty and the salad cooler was becoming bare as customers filled the shop.
“When I first moved up here after I lost my husband, me and my granddaughter were in here,” Peck said. “Actually we had the moonstruck sandwiches which is my favorite, and she comes, whenever she comes to visit we come here.”
Tarzia is retiring. He said seeing consistent customers over the years told him he was doing things right.
“Your company was amazing and a lot of people are going to miss you very much,” Barker said.
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