Local favorite Rossi’s Bar and Grill closing amid coronavirus concerns
A popular family restaurant with historic ties to Trenton’s iconic Italian neighborhood of Chambersburg, will close until Coronavirus pandemic concerns subside.
Alan Meinster, co-owner of Rossi’s Bar & Grill, now located in nearby Hamilton Twp., said he and business partner, Mike Rossi, opted for safety.
“Mike and I have been talking about this for several weeks, preparing for it,” Meinster said early Sunday morning.
“We both agree that the best option is to do our part in stop bringing people together. The virus spreads because people contract it from each other. Right now, we want our employees and customers to stay at home.”
Meinster, who owns and operates Marsilio’s Kitchen, another famous Burg restaurant which moved out of Trenton to Ewing, said that restaurant would also close. Meinster said he and business partner/wife, Denise, felt closing Marsilio’s will help the nation rebound from a severe health crisis.
Meinster noted that he and Rossi have witnessed a “slow erosion” of customers over the past two weeks.
“We have a name-brand business that has found success thanks to faithful customers. What’s most important right now is to do our part to help Mercer County, New Jersey and the country get through this medical emergency,” Meinster explained.
“The remarkable thing about Rossi’s is that the business has been around since 1933. Many of our loyal patrons have survived a lot since then. And, we’ll get through this latest challenge together, too.”
Meinster voiced a wait-andsee opinion about reopening a restaurant made famous by its “Rossi Burger”, a 12-ounce serving of ground beef caressed by a kaiser roll.
“We will remain closed until epidemiologists, doctors and other smart people say it’s a good idea for people to embrace each other get together for celebrations, drink ice cold beer and devour hamburgers,” Meinster explained.
“So, we’ll take a break, allow people to get control of the situation then welcome everyone back. It’s the sensible and responsible thing to do.”
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.