Gigante’s Too Closing Permanently In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — More than a month after learning that Gigante’s Deli in Wallingford was closing its doors for good, fans of the popular deli were dealt another blow Wednesday when it was announced the family’s other deli, Gigante’s Too, is also closed. Grace Gigante Giulietti announced in early April that Gigante’s Deli, located at 117 Church St., was closing after nearly 50 years in business because her brothers decided to retire.

Gigante’s Too, located at 817 East Center St., had temporarily closed March 21 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Giulietti originally planned to reopen after the pandemic, however, she announced Wednesday night that she has made the “difficult decision to join my brothers in retirement.”

“While COVID may have sped up our timeline, retirement was something I had anticipated to do in the near future,” Giulietti wrote in a post on Facebook. “I am so grateful for my parents starting the business forty-eight years ago. Like mentioned before, I am so appreciative of the continuous support I’ve received from our community. My customers and my staff have been like family to me. Thank you for allowing our family to serve Wallingford all this time. I will miss you very much.”

Fans of the deli were saddened by the news, but also wished the family well in retirement. One fan wrote on the Positively Wallingford Facebook page, “You guys were the best! Thanks for providing my family and I with THE best lunches time and time again! You will most definitely be missed! Best of luck.”

Another fan wrote, “So sorry to hear this! Grace you created an amazing business—you will be missed! Enjoy retirement!!”

Vinnie Testa, a member of the Wallingford Town Council, wrote a tribute to Giulietti and the Gigante family.

“Obviously, you will be missed,” Testa wrote in the comments on the Gigantes Too Facebook page. “The legacy that you and your family have left in our community of providing such wonderful foods and of being such tremendous supporters of countless charities and youth groups is clear. The Gigante family will always be a Wallingford institution.

“I want to add something equally impactful, and that is the influence you have had on so many young people who have worked with you. I know many firsthand. Among the many things you can reflect on with pride and joy, let that be foremost in your mind. You have been a true mentor and molder of character with so many young people. Thank you for that, and God Bless.”