After 28 years in business in Old Greenwich, Vitto’s V & V Mini Market is closing its doors.
Owners Vitto and Carla Vaccarezza have decided to retire, but that didn’t stop customers and friends of all generations from packing the mini market for a going-away party.
“It’s like leaving family,” said Vitto Vaccarezza. “It’s like I’m going to college.”
The market served as a popular hangout spot for the Old Greenwich crowd to get their newspapers, lottery tickets, and deli sandwiches each morning and afternoon.
“I enjoyed every single day here,” said Vaccarezza. “I had my good days and bad days, but the majority were good. The most important part is becoming part of the community and having people like you. They become friends more than customers.”
The couple, who live in Cos Cob, say they will miss the early morning rush of familiar faces coming to get their coffee and the latest local news.
“They’ve been working 24 hours a day for pretty much the past 28 years,” said longtime customer Mark Henderson. “They don’t have a very big shop, but whatever it is that you need, it seems somehow they have it. If they don’t and you want it, they’ll get it for you. It’s old-fashioned business. They make real connections with people in the neighborhood.”
Henderson made a point of seeing the couple before their final day of business to wish them good luck in their retirement.
“It’s going to be weird not to see this anymore,” said Henderson. “You had the family feel here. It’s a business, but the relationships to these guys were really important.”
For Tom Bergeron, a regular customer and friend of the owners, the Wednesday afternoon visit marked the final time he would get in line to order his go-to tuna sandwich just before closing.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Bergeron, who is the host of TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” “In the era of more and more chain stores, to see a family-run business go is sad.”
The Old Greenwich community, including some lifelong customers, came out in support and packed the market on their final day and hour of business.
“This was our early morning hangout,” said Matty Mancini, pointing to the newspaper rack. “This corner was ours.”
Located in a small plaza at 1345 East Putnam Avenue, the convenience store served as the headquarters for local residents to catch up with each other and the town.
“We would all come at quarter to six, grab a paper and a coffee and get our tickets,” said Ralph Sparan. “We have fun in here, too.”
As the crowd grew inside the mini mart, tears began to roll down the faces of many who have worked there and knew the Vaccarezzas well.
“This is just like family,” said Phyllis Lamichhane, a longtime friend and owner of the nearby BP gas station. “He’s a hell of a nice guy. I used to work for him. He would do anything for you. It’s bittersweet.”
For Angel Marrero, an employee of the mini market for 12 years, the closing of the shop marks a new chapter in his life as he seeks to join the Citizen’s Police Academy this fall.
“This is more than a job,” said Marrero. “When I went to school, they supported me with everything. It was like a big family.”
Carla and Vitto plan to take time for themselves and catch up with personal projects and plans that too often took a backseat to the store. Sushi Soba, next door to Vitto’s, will expand into the min-market’s space.
“I’ve spent more time in the store than in my own house,” Vitto said. “I spend more time here than I do with my family, sometimes. For me, this was family too. They expect me to be here every day, whether it’s raining or snowing or whatever. It’s sweet and sorrow leaving, but I’m not getting any younger.”
