By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Special Writer
Rossi’s Bar and Grill, the landmark Italian restaurant and home of the “Rossiburger,” recently relocated to Hamilton Township after 80 years in Trenton.
The restaurant opened its doors at 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road on July 10, and on Aug. 21 celebrated its grand opening.
Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede said, “Trenton’s loss is our gain” and said she couldn’t wait to have a “Rossiburger” during the grand opening.
She said she is happy that Hamilton Township could provide the iconic restaurant and its 75 employees “a home” when they left Trenton.
Rossi’s story began in 1933 when current operators Michael and Sharon Rossi’s grandparents first opened their doors to neighborhood residents serving casual home-style food based on family recipes. The restaurant quickly became a gathering place for families and workers as well as local sports stars and politicians, eventually becoming a favorite spot of Yankee great Joe DiMaggio and many other professional athletes.
Longtime customer Jeff Stockman, of Trenton, said tears welled up in his eyes when he learned that Rossi’s was moving.
”I could walk over there to enjoy delicious food and a great atmosphere,” he said. “The Yankees game was always on. Great staff and great people.”
Although he has to hop in his car to get to the new location, he said it’s worth it.
”They’re starting a new era of wonderful food and bringing people together,” he said. “This is going to be great.”
Rossi’s next chapter introduces a partnership between Mike Rossi and Alan Meinster, the owner of another long-time Chambersburg eatery, Marsilio’s, and now Marsilio’s Kitchen in Ewing. Together, along with the Rossi family — Sharon, Joanna and Ted — as well as most of the original Rossi staff, they will offer customers the same warm, welcoming environment that made Rossi’s a second home for four generations.At the new location customers can expect to find all the old favorites, like Sharon’s chicken cacciatore, Italian-style pork chops and of course the “Rossiburger.”
In addition, Rossi’s will feature a selection of 16 imported lagers and craft beers on tap including selections from Goose Island, Brooklyn, Firestone, Victory, River Horse and Magic Hat plus 25 international bottled beers. The restaurant will also feature 15 wines by the glass to compliment every dish on the menu and a new drink, “The Peach Palmer,” has also been added to the menu. The cocktail contains peach infused Skyy Vodka and a blend of lemonade and iced tea and is available by the glass or by the pitcher.
The restaurant does offer a new kids’ menu with games and activities.
While some things have changed like the black and white striped awnings instead of red and white striped awnings on the outside of the establishment, other things remain the same. The owners pay homage to the old Rossi’s photographs and memorabilia from the olden days. They moved the “Joe DiMaggio Corner” sign from the corner of Morris Avenue and Franklin Street in Trenton to outside the new location and the owners are assuring customers they will be receiving the excellent, casual and affordable food that has been Rossi’s trademark for generations.
Rossi’s Bar and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
For more information, call 609-890-2004 or visit www.rossisbarandgrill.com.
