PALMER TWP., Pa — Two years after they first laid eyes on the place, the owners of Giacomo’s Italian Market and Grille on Easton’s College Hill are opening their second store.
Giacomo’s will open at 4041 William Penn Highway in Palmer Township on Saturday.
Owner Sal Famularo said it’s been a long road but the new store will open at 11 a.m. at the former Miller’s Paint & Wallpaper building.
“It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” he said. “It’s a smaller facility (than the College Hill store) but something we definitely wanted.
“The goal was to always open another place. But the timing just wasn’t right. With this spot, we took the leap and said we’re going to do it.”
A number of factors delayed opening, Famularo said, including completing staffing and tending to a busy summer season at the existing store.
“It’s just been so long. It’s a great feeling though to finally get here and have the support of the community.”Sal Famularo, owner of Giacomo's Italian Market and Grille
“It’s just been so long,” he said of the process. “It’s a great feeling though to finally get here and have the support of the community.”
Giacomo’s made the announcement Thursday on its social media accounts, where folks have been clamoring for the opening date for months.
“The timing is right with the family to take that step and we’re going to go with it,” Famularo said. “We can’t look back now. We have to do it.”
Giacomo’s has operated at 700 Cattell St. since 2003. The business began as Giacomo’s Italian Specialties in the 1200 block of Washington Street, founded in 1975 by Famularo’s parents Giacomo and Gina. (Both are still involved with the business five days a week).
Giacomo’s is known for its cheesesteaks and deli sandwiches but also has a following for its homemade sauces and sausage, butchered meats and dry goods.
The Cattell Street shop offers breakfast and lunch, and also sells imported meats, cheeses, olives, desserts and pasta.
The Palmer location will serve lunch and dinner and be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It will carry many of the Italian market goods available at the Easton store but won’t have as large of a selection, Famularo said.
Famularo said the new spot will operate in “soft opening” mode for a few weeks until staff scheduling kinks are ironed out and training is complete.
Hours next week in Palmer are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“We’re ready to go,” said Famularo, who grew up in Palmer Township not far from the new location. “We’re going to go with whatever is thrown at us.”
