Ferraro's Starts Rebuilding

With part of Elm Street blocked off for construction vehicles Wednesday, work on the renovation of fire ravaged has taken steps forward.

Giuseppe DiPietro, a member of the Ferraro family and chef at the restaurant, confirmed that Wednesday’s work was to remove some debris to allow the family and insurance adjusters to access parts of the restaurant, which was destroyed during a on May 5, which has been deemed as caused undetermined, according to Deputy Fire Chief David Kelly. The front-end loader was seen removing some equipment.

“There were parts of the restaurant we wanted to get to that we couldn’t,” DiPietro said.

He said the insurance company wanted to account for the contents of the restaurant, along with making it safe for workers during the initial phase of the construction.

DiPietro said the family has been active in talking with architects and designers to rebuild the restaurant. He said his wife, Lina Ferraro, has been holding a series of meetings, including with contractors. He said no contractors have been retained by the family yet.

“We are trying to move as quickly as possible,” DiPietro said. “The first step is to get the place cleaned up. “

DiPietro said the family is meeting with town officials on Thursday to discuss the rebuilding process.

He said no decisions have been made on the look of the restaurant in the rebuilding and if any changes will be made.

DiPietro, who has been working at Ferraro’s South since the fire as a chef, said the family has been seeing a positive reaction from the community in terms of the temporary relocation of the restaurant’s take out and delivery services. He stressed that a full menu, including pizza, is being served at the location just off of South Avenue.

The family made the decision to relocate delivery and take out services to the south side location in the hours after the fire. The location had been primarily used for catering prior to the fire.

DiPietro said that the family is considering keeping take out and delivery options at Ferraro’s South permanently.

“The feedback we’ve been getting is that they like it better,” DiPietro said of customers. It’s easier to pick up because of the parking lot. We’re thinking of leaving it here for good.”