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November 11, 2020

Italian-style eatery opens in Hamden

PHOTOS | CONTRIBUTED
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The pandemic hasn’t kept Vincenzo Buontempo from his dream of running his own restaurant.

In October, he opened the new Donato’s Apizza and Trattoria at 3825 Whitney Ave., near Sleeping Giant State Park.

Donato’s Apizza first began as a part-time food truck operation that served thin crust wood fired pizza. This opening marks the business’ expansion into a full-service restaurant.

“I’ve always had a passion for pizza, and I’ve always liked cooking,” Buontempo said. “I like to entertain and meet new people.”

He has partnered with Michael DeCaprio on the restaurant venture. 

Buontempo, an investor who owns multiple commercial rental properties, bought the building - formerly a Si Mangia Pizzeria restaurant - way back in December. 

While the plan had originally been to launch the eatery earlier, this was delayed due to the coronavirus. However, since the October opening, Buontempo said he is seeing a steady stream of customers coming to check out the restaurant.

“We’re doing pretty good business even with the virus - I can’t complain,” Buontempo said. “We’ve had quite a few people come through, try our food and come back.”

The restaurant already has garnered some regular customers and attracted Quinnipiac University students, he added. 

Donato’s offers a variety of menu items, such as pizza, hot and cold subs, hard roll sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, deli foods and desserts.

Buontempo said he not only liked the location, but he got a good deal on the building. He bought the property for $140,000, and it is appraised at $242,900, according to the Hamden Assessor’s office.

Dale Kroop, director of economic development, said Hamden welcomes Donato’s to the town’s lineup of restaurants.

“They will provide a great option for indoor/outdoor and takeout dining in the north part of Hamden,” Kroop said. 

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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