The Roma restaurant in Whitehall (seen here in 1975) has been a popular destination for many years. Recently, it was sold and will have a new name going forward.
Recently I learned that one of the most popular restaurants in Whitehall, The Roma, had been sold to Roxanne and David Waters, along with their sons, Matthew Waters and Grant Burns.
The Waters are updating and improving the Roma this month with an anticipated 2012 opening date of late March, early April. They will be re-opening the restaurant as LUCIA’S, named after David’s late Mom, Lucy Leonbruno Waters. I recently had a chance to discuss the venture with Roxanne Waters.
Below is my interview with her.
To begin, congratulations. The Roma is a landmark and I’m sure you’re all very excited. Can you tell the readers of the Huletts Current how this all came about?
Thank you George for your time and support. David had been contemplating the purchase of the business for a year or so; but it wasn’t until Grant approached us with the same idea that we really gave it some serious thought. From there Matt and our youngest son, Dylan Burns, became involved and we formulated plans from there.
I know things are being worked on right now but can you tell us some of the updates you’re making to the restaurant?
We have been working in the building since late November and some of the updates that are being completed are that we have increased our capacity by adding seating to the bar and lounge area. The booths are intact but are newly painted and decorated with a Tuscany flair of vines and grapes. The large dining room has been renovated and the original hardwood floors have been refurbished. That area will be available to host showers, rehearsal dinners, funeral receptions or small weddings. We have already booked a Class Reunion during this Summer. The kitchen and prep rooms were completely restituted along with 80% new kitchen equipment.
Any changes to the menu?
The menu will include Italian-American fare with daily specials. We will also be adding Prime Rib on the weekends and Wing Nights, along with drink specials
Whitehall has seen some tough times recently, so anyone who invests in the town has to be commended. What are your hopes for the Roma going forward?
We all firmly believe that in order for Whitehall to succeed, people have to believe in Whitehall and dare to invest in the same. Whitehall will never again be what it once was but that does not mean that it can’t be as good or even better. The Roma used to be “the place” to be while I was growing up and even before then…the parking lot was full and you could not get a table without waiting. We are striving for that again and we will be open to serve after sporting and other school events. We have received nothing but positive support from our Community and many surrounding Communities as well. We are hopeful that the people of Whitehall, Huletts Landing and other surrounding areas will continue to be supportive. We also have plans to use the ever-increasing social media to regain the confidence of the tens of thousands of travellers that will pass Lucia’s daily.
I know many people know you from the bank. What would you like the readers of the Huletts Current to know about your new enterprise?
Lucia’s is a family venture and will be run by our family. You shoud not be surprised to see any and all of us bartending, serving our customers or helping out in the kitchen. We will ensure an atmosphere of family, warmth and welcoming to new and old friends alike. We look forward to seeing our current friends from Huletts Landing and making many new ones! We are determined to succeed and help Whitehall thrive again. We hope that your readers will help us do that.
Congratulations on doing something positive and best of luck in your new endeavor.
On behalf of myself and my family, we are sincerely appreciative of your time and support George… “BENVENUTO A LUCIA’S” Welcome to Lucia’s!