Pizza Shop In Enfield Apparently Closed; Another Is Staying

ENFIELD, CT — A pizza shop in the center of Hazardville has apparently closed its doors, while rumors about a possible closing of a longtime Route 5 eatery on the Massachusetts border have proved to be unfounded.

Sorrento's II, located in a small plaza at 319-323 Hazard Avenue between Kim's Nails and Subway, seems to no longer be in business. Brown paper is covering the windows, and repeated phone calls yielded no answer.

Prior to Sorrento's, a string of pizza shops had occupied the space over the years, most recently Omega Pizza.

The plaza was purchased for $375,000 in early April by Massachusetts-based Mega Meadow REI LLC. No one could be reached at the firm for comment.

Meanwhile, across town at the state line, Rinaldi's Italian Restaurant, an Enfield Street staple for decades, has altered its hours, but is not closing.

Beginning in early June, the restaurant is now closed on Mondays, after being open seven days a week for many years. Owners Tony and Niki Marangoudakis announced the change on Facebook, declaring, "We hope that you all understand, and continue to enjoy our food on the days when we’re open. We look forward to continuing to serve you every Tuesday through Sunday, as we have over the last 14 years. Thank you for being the best customers we could ever hope for!"

Confusion about the restaurant's future cropped up when Rinaldi's Italian Specialties, a longtime favorite eatery since 1977 located two and a half miles further north on Route 5 in Longmeadow, Mass., announced it will close at the end of the day on Saturday, June 30.

Brother and sister owners Robert and Carla Rinaldi, who formerly owned the Enfield site as well, said in a public statement, "Thank you so much to the entire community for forty-one and a half years of loyal patronage and support. We are ready and excited for the next chapter, and all the future has in store."

Photo credit: Tim Jensen

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