GOOD Morning Wilton has learned that a lease has been signed for the spot previously held by Bon Appetit Cafe at 5 River Rd. in Kimco’s Stop & Shop Plaza, which means one thing—a new restaurant will be opening in Wilton sometime this year. The GOOD news: it’s a project from the owners of another popular Wilton spot—Bianco Rosso.
“Yes, I guess we can say it now,” confirmed Bianco Rosso owner Mario Lopez, who will open the as-yet-unnamed spot with his wife and partner, Cristina Ramirez. He wasn’t ready to talk about which kind of cuisine they’ll be offering or what the restaurant will be like, but he did say that they are excited about the new venture.
While it’s still early in the pair’s planning process, it’s a sign that things are going well for Lopez, who still oversees day-to-day operations of Bianco Rosso with his brothers and is part of a larger family of cousins who are also in the restaurant business with Washington Prime in SoNo and other spots.
It’s also good news for Wilton as another storefront will now be occupied, especially one that has stood empty since Dominique Arrighi closed Bon Appetit Cafe in July 2014. With Cafe Ruche shutting its doors last November, a new restaurant on Wilton’s dining scene will be welcomed by residents and the business community alike.
“That is great news! Mario and Cristina have had a wonderful success in Bianco Rosso here, and another one of their high-quality concepts will be an exciting addition to the exceptional restaurant scene in Wilton,” said Debra Hanson, the executive director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, adding, “We hope they will be open for our upcoming restaurant week in March.”
Chamber president Mark Ketley agrees. “It’s exciting to hear that the Bianco Rosso owners are looking to add another restaurant in our community. I look forward to seeing what Mario plans for the new space.”