SOUTHINGTON – Noto Americano is expanding this summer to open a new Italian market on Queen Street.
Chef Nick LaRosa, a Southington native, opened the Italian restaurant Noto Americano on Main Street in 2023.
LaRosa has a Sicilian background, which he said meant growing up in the kitchen. LaRosa spent 20 years in Phoenix, Arizona, where he had his hands in the opening of many restaurants across the country, and was a partner in multiple Phoenix-area locations.
LaRosa also competed twice on the Food Network cooking show Chopped, once taking home the $10,000 grand prize in 2019.
Following the success Noto Americano has had at 83 W Main St, Plantsville, Nick LaRosa’s co-owner and cousin Frank LaRosa is looking to expand the business into a new realm.
“I’m looking to do a nice little Italian market,” Frank LaRosa said.
The market is set to open at 172 Queen St., replacing the former Tokyo Japanese Restaurant.
It will feature Italian goods that customers can’t find at the typical grocery store, he said. There will be imported Italian items, a small grocery section, prepared foods, frozen items, a small salad bar, and more.
“It’s been something that I’ve wanted to do for years,” Frank LaRosa said.
He said they are waiting on a few permits to clear before they open.
“We are planning to be open this summer,” Frank LaRosa said.