Popular Shelton Italian Restaurant Set To Close This Month

SHELTON, CT — Customers who enjoy feasting on an "authentic Italian meal with the freshest ingredients" should plan to visit Carmine's Ristorante Italiano in Shelton this month, as the owners recently announced the popular eatery will close Dec. 23.

In a message to their customers, Carmine and Raquel Mancusco announced in early October plans to retire after 42 years in business, a journey that began in 1980 with the opening of Brick Oven on Capitol Avenue in Bridgeport.

"Since then, we have humbly welcomed generations of customers, raised our family and watched our guests raise theirs," the family's message reads. "We always wanted our restaurant to be a gathering place for families to share their meals together. We have been so fortunate and are forever indebted with your continued patronage while letting us do what we love to do best, nourish you!"

The family opened Carmine's on River Road in 2008, according to the Shelton Herald.

The owners noted in their message the decision to retire after four decades was made with a "grateful yet heavy heart" and encouraged their beloved customers to stop in one last time for a meal or a drink.

Carmine's will continue to accept gift cards until Dec. 23, the day the restaurant will close.

"As eager as we are to embark on our new journey, we will tremendously miss serving Shelton and our surrounding communities," the owners said in their message. "Cooking an authentic Italian meal with the freshest ingredients has always been our passion. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us share our passion with you and your families!"

Patch has reached out to Carmine's Ristorante Italiano for more information.