Old Mill Grocery & Deli Closes In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Graziano and Maurizio Ricci, the brothers who own the Romanacci restaurant empire in Fairfield County, closed one of their Westport locations this week, as they prepare to open a new restaurant in Darien.

The brothers closed Old Mill Grocery & Deli on Hillspoint Road in Westport, near Compo Beach, this week after three years. Their restaurant on Railroad Place in Westport remains open.

This fall, the brothers are scheduled to open a new Italian restaurant in Heights Crossing at 346 Heights Road in Darien.

In a post on Dan Woog's 06880 news blog, the Riccis thanked Westporters for the support, but said it was time for a new endeavor.

"Our hope is that OMG remains open, thriving, and part of this wonderful community for another 100 years," they wrote.

The grocery store's property is owned by the nonprofit Soundview Empowerment Alliance, which helped to restore the 107-year-old property, and is now looking for a new tenant to run the location.

"We are in active discussions with several strong prospective operators, including successful well-known local operators," representatives of SEA wrote in a statement. "Each brings considerable experience, energy and an understanding of this community."