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Popular Mohegan Lake eatery closes its doors for good on Easter Sunday

The popular restaurant has been serving customers for nearly 35 years. Owner George Giorno bought the business from the previous owner 20 years ago.

News 12 Staff

Apr 1, 2024, 1:34 AM

Updated 247 days ago

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La Villetta Pizza and Pasta Restaurant in Mohegan Lake closed its doors for good on Easter Sunday after the owner says he lost the lease.
The popular restaurant has been serving customers for nearly 35 years. Owner George Giorno bought the business from the previous owner 20 years ago.
"We went from COVID, never missed one day, never closed one hour. This place was corner to corner to the ceiling with boxes for takeout,” Giorno said. “I felt that I needed to be here for my customers."
His staff and his loyal customers are having a hard time saying goodbye.
Chef Roman Perez started cooking for the restaurant 30 years ago when he was 17 years old. Longtime customer Jessie Kempter of Shrub Oak has been coming since 1978. They attribute their loyalty to Giorno’s work ethic and his amazing food.
Giorno is confident that this isn’t an ending for the business, but a new beginning.
He said he plans to reopen again soon in the movie theater right across the street.