Format Change Sought for Bellizzi in Mount Kisco
Bellizzi has been a popular destination for diners in Mount Kisco since 1991, but like most things, there is time for a change.
Owner Isidoro (Isi) Albanese is planning to transform the Main Street restaurant into something new. He is proposing to rename Bellizzi, which currently specializes in pizza and other Italian fare, Exit 4 Food Hall and offer a variety of cuisines at the establishment. The name is inspired by the fact that it is located a few miles from Exit 4 off I-684.
While Exit 4 Food Hall would continue to serve pizza, pasta, paninis and salads, the menu choices would be expanded to include stations containing rice and quinoa bowls, barbecue, Middle Eastern food and tacos. There will also be lobster rolls and sushi provided by Mount Kisco Seafood.
Albanese said he wanted to offer new food choices that aren’t readily available elsewhere in the village. One of the priorities will be to use food from local farms, he said.
Renovations are estimated to take about one month. Albanese hopes to open Exit 4 Food Hall no later than Oct. 1.
Patrons would continue to order at the counter, similar to how Bellizzi currently operates, and either pick up or have their food brought to their table.
Albanese said the proposed format changes were needed. A few years ago he removed the game room from Bellizzi because of children’s changing tastes and that other venues offer arcade games, such as Grand Prix New York.
The restaurant also needed more food options.
“It’s time for a change,” Albanese said.
For the project to proceed, Albanese said he will need site plan approval from the planning board and for the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant new signs.
Even with his proposed changes, some of the Bellizzi favorites will still be available at Exit 4 Food Hall.
“You can still have pizza,” he said.
