CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- A familiar name in the local dining scene is preparing to take over Cugini's and open a new restaurant on Corning's Market Street. Gaetano Ruggiero, known for his work with Louie's and Giuseppe's, plans to open Giuseppe's Italian Eatery, a spot that will combine dishes from both restaurants.
"We are a Bon Appetit dining destination and anytime that we can add a wonderful option for our visitors and area residents it's a good thing, and Giuseppe's is definitely a well-loved restaurant and something that I think will be a wonderful addition to the taste of Corning," says Coleen Fabrizi, Executive Director of Corning's Gaffer District.
Ruggiero's vision for the new eatery focuses on merging favorites from Louie's and Giuseppe's into one cohesive menu.
"We're just gonna marry the best of Louie's and the best of Giuseppe's and we're gonna marry them both," says Gaetano Ruggiero."Our pizza's killer spaghetti sauce is awesome I would say it's the best around. And Louie's has some good favorites that I had the pleasure of working there and I know what sells there and I know what sells here."
While the menu is still under construction, Ruggiero teased some upcoming menu items.
"We're gonna offer some Mediterranean. I got a couple Sicilian cooks that have some great recipes and you know we got some new equipment coming just to set it up for us, to make it comfortable for us what we're working with. And we're gonna offer some more seating and some dinners and we're gonna try to get the dinner effect at night time. Obviously lunch is big on market, so we got to get our lunch game correct and we want to bring in some steaks, some chops, some other dishes and hopefully all come together," says Ruggiero.
Ruggiero also plans to create two distinct experiences at Giuseppe's Italian Eatery, a quicker, counter-service option for the lunch crowd and a slower, more relaxed atmosphere for dinner.
"At lunchtime we're going to do you know the fast pace grab at the counter and go, gonna bring in some waitress service, get seated and then we'll move into a dinner atmosphere. So with the waitress, with the service, and hopefully we get our beer and wine in by then. But yeah, we're gonna slow it down during dinner and go for that," shared Ruggiero.
The new restaurant aims to open later this year, adding another option to Corning's diverse dining scene. Cugini's last day of business is October 27th.