Super Senior has put Italian cooking on the map in Fair Haven for 42 years

FAIR HAVEN, Vt. (WCAX) – The Fair Haven Pizza House has anchored downtown Fair Haven for 42 years.

“We do all Italian foods here,” said Lucia Spallieri, who dishes up the homemade sauces, breads, and meatballs alongside her son Frank.

When the pizzeria first opened, it drew a younger crowd. “When we first opened here, the kids welcomed us, not the grownups,” Frank said. The restaurant had a jukebox, pinball machines, and a pool table.

Generations of customers have come through the doors, and Spallieri has covered a wall with their photographs. “I started with their pictures, because I wanted them to know that this was their place,” she said. “This family is still here.”

Some pictures have faded through the years, but not the memories. “We’ve had such a wonderful life here,” Spallieri said.

She was born in Italy but raised in Vermont. Spallieri met her late husband, Luigi — whom she called Geno — when her family returned to the “old country” for a visit. “Within two, almost three months, we were engaged to be married,” she said.

The couple moved to Vermont and had two sons, Frank and Vito. Geno learned English, greeted customers, and worked in the kitchen alongside Lucia. “I got married for life,” Lucia said. “One man, one marriage, that’s it.”

Reporter Joe Carroll: What were some of the tough times?

Lucia Spallieri: That, I can’t share.

Geno died of cancer four years ago. He worked until the end. “I never thought it would be so painful, my husband leaving me,” Spallieri said.

And there’s another big transition ahead for the family. The building and business are now for sale. The 78-year-old says her body is telling her it’s time. “My bones don’t want to stand up,” she said.

And Frank, now 55, agrees. “I don’t think we can find help anymore, especially to stay in business,” he said.

“My son doesn’t have a life ‘cause we worked here six days a week,” Spallieri said.

The hope is that a buyer will take over and that both Lucia and Frank will help with the transition. No offers have come in so far.

“These are my people,” Spallieri said, gesturing to the photographs on the wall. “I have a beautiful life, God has blessed me.”

Proof that Spallieri and her family made everyone feel like family.