Call it culinary karma.
A day after Bristol restaurateur J.R. Rusgrove announced he was closing his popular “Garnish” restaurant in the Forestville section of Bristol earlier this week, another well-known area restaurateur showed up at the door because it was just the kind of space he wanted for a new venture.
Gary Santorso, whose family owned the former Silo restaurant in Farmington for decades, will open a new restaurant in the space by spring.
“I have been looking for a new restaurant site since the Silo closed,” said Santorso whose family was synonymous with the Route 10 restaurant that closed last year. ”J.R.’s landlord called me last Sunday and I went down to talk business. We have reached a deal.”
Santorso is still finalizing plans for his new place on Central Street, including a name.
“I was up at 3:30 this morning thinking about the menu and what we will be doing to the space,” said Santorso. “I am so excited about this.”
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11 Responses to Veteran Restaurateur To Open in “Garnish” Space
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That’s great news for Forestville. I remember going to Silo growing up in Bristol. Hopefully he will make a go of it
I just talked to Parkside Cafe in Bristol and they are honoring gift certificates for Garnish at that location – class act.
Hard to imagine anyone else with more experience, more familiarity with the neighborhood, and more incentive to make a go of an exciting new opportunity. Working at the Silo was my first job…..in 1971 !!!! I’ve been a fan for 40 years since.
Great long awaited news. Gary Santorso is back in the restaurant business! Spring can’t come soon enough for the Grand Opening. Here’s to your success.
You have the restaurant business in your blood Gary!!!! I am sure you will be great at it, can’t wait for you to open!!!! I look forward to good food!!!
The best of luck in your new endeavor!!!!
Sandy
From what I know about the Santorso Family. I can promise you some really great food. More that 50 years in the business the family have become Knowledgeable Gourmet Food Specialist. I know for sure that it will a nice place to bring your family and enjoy good service and good food.
I can hardly wait.
What I’m wondering is why the Santorsos feel they can succeed in that location when so many before them have failed.
Very happy for you Gary. I am sure it will be fantastic.
Maybe we have to come once again in Connecticut to see your new restaurant!!!!!
Great news!! We have a place to have our office Christmas parties once again…For years they had been at the Silo. This past Christmas was the first time not spent there and it just wasn’t the same – so this is terrific news!! Best of luck Gary!!!!!!
We have truly missed the Silo for it’s great food, friendly atmosphere, and the great staff. All the best, Gary, and we can’t wait to see you back in action.
We now live in Arizona, however, we frequented the Silo rest. often. My wife loved the stuff shrimp.