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Bethel Says 'Welcome Back' To Portofino's At Grand Reopening

BETHEL, Conn. — Portofino Restaurant & Wine Bar on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel is back in business.

Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker speaks with Louie and Rocko Selmanti, owners of Portofino Restaurant & Bar in Bethel.  The restaurant is back in business after being closed for a year.

Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker speaks with Louie and Rocko Selmanti, owners of Portofino Restaurant & Bar in Bethel. The restaurant is back in business after being closed for a year.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
Over two dozen people attend the grand reopening of Portofino's on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel.

Over two dozen people attend the grand reopening of Portofino's on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
Lots of appetizers are served at the event.

Lots of appetizers are served at the event.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
All different kinds of appetizers are served at Portofino's grand reopening.

All different kinds of appetizers are served at Portofino's grand reopening.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
Appetizers at the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of Portofino's in Bethel.

Appetizers at the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of Portofino's in Bethel.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
Many people attend the event.

Many people attend the event.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox
Portofino's is back in business.

Portofino's is back in business.

Photo Credit: Sandra Diamond Fox

Over two dozen customers came out to celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting Tuesday of the restaurant, which had been closed for over a year to repair extensive water damage.  

"I want to welcome Rocco and Louie to the grand reopening," said Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, who cut the ribbon. 

"This is a story of perseverance — that you hung in there, that you didn't give up, that you came back. Thank you for staying here," Knickerbocker said.

Louie Selmanti, who owns the business with his brother, Rocco, said, "We are very happy to be back, to see all our loyal customers who came back to us." 

Some of the eatery's most popular appetizers were served, including fried calamari, flatbreads meatballs and bruschetta.

Related Story: Portofino Restaurant & Wine Bar Reopens In Bethel

The 6-year-old business, known for its divine Northern Italian cuisine, closed in January 2016 after a sprinkler went off, causing a flood and significant damage. "We had to replace the installation and sheetrock," Louie Selmanti said.

For more information on Portofino Restaurant & Wine Bar at 213 Greenwood Ave. in Dolan Plaza, click here or call 203-797-8131.

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