Traditions and values have been lessons that Claudio and Anna Mancini have passed down to their employees over the years.
That tradition came to a close over the weekend.
The Mancini’s closed their long-time business Romano’s Specialty Meats & Italian Deli last Sunday, bringing to a close 54 years of serving the community.
“My dad started in 1970,” explained Claudio.
His father Pantaleone came to Canada from Italy in 1967 and started the business three years later. Pantaleone was 47-years-old when he arrived in Canada and originally worked at Marra’s Bread when he arrived in town.
“He brought some of his trade here,” said Claudio.
Joined by his wife Marianna, they ran it until 1983 when Claudio and Anna took over.
“We took it to the next level,” said Anna.
Claudio said he started learning about the business as early as 13-years-old.
They leave on a high note, with Claudio stating it is bittersweet to say goodbye.
“It’s been overwhelming but it’s been really good,” he said. “It’s a nice town. It’s our town. It’s our community.”
“All good things come to an end,” added Anna. “We didn’t know we were loved this much. We’re going to miss the people. We’ve been so honoured and privileged that for 54 years that we’ve been part of everyone’s family occasions and celebrations.”
Now with children and grandchildren of their own, Claudio and Anna had pictures of them around the Sandwich St. S. store. Their children have professional careers of their own, Claudio noted, and the work it would take to run the store would be substantial.
The pictures were put up along with other memories of the business, with Anna noting and displaying the teams and events they sponsored.
Anna said a lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into running Romano’s. She said they want people to think of Anna and Claudio when remembering Romano’s.
“We see the moon in the morning and we see the moon at night,” she said.
Planning for the Christmas season has to start in June as a lot of inventory is shipped in from Italy. Claudio said they have spent the last few years using that to decide whether they want to go for another year or not and this year decided to step back and close the store.
The Mancini’s are not retiring completely, at least not yet, as there are still orders to fulfill.
They also plan to work out of the building, which they still own, and work on such things as their spices and seasonings. The store itself will be locked up.
“We will fulfill all of our obligations with our orders until the final day,” Anna stated, with that final day still undetermined.
Anna noted they have had generations of the same family work in the store.
“I have workers right now that had their parents work for us,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes I think I’m tough on them but I tell them down the road, you are going to love me. I teach them traditions and values.”
Romano’s employed six full-time staff members and 25-30 overall. Anna said many students went on to successful careers.
Claudio added they are thankful to all their customers, staff and the community as a whole.
Romano's bids farewell after 54 years of service
By Ron Giofu
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