A little before 2 o’clock New Year’s Eve 2019, the “We are closed” sign went up on the front door at Salvania’s on Jackson street.
The two pots of sauce Roxanne cooked up the day before were gone, there was only a half a loaf of bread left and a half a holiday cranberry/apple pie along with some ham and turkey for subs and a few burgers.
It is a bittersweet moment for Laura and Roxanne Salvania who have served Italian favorites to the community since 1981.
“I don’t have a piece of pasta or a drop of sauce left,” says Laura Salvania.
Since the announcement was made that Salvania’s was closing, many people have come in to share a last plate of sauce, and say goodbye.
“I love that everyone is here, it made my day.”
“Its been a day of hugging and crying, its hard to talk about.”
The sisters bought the business from Joe and Lena Frederico in 1981.
Their parents Rose and Ralph started helping at the restaurant in 1985.
“My mother baked all the pies.”
“You know how these old Italians are, never say never, keep a going, keep a going.”
Laura plans on continuing her catering business, while Roxanne is looking forward to cooking for the kids at the John Kennedy school cafeteria.
