Date: Fri 28-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

a4-Tom-Sawyer-Newtown-Inn

Full Text:

Tom Sawyer's Restaurant Closes Its Doors

Tom Sawyer's Restaurant on South Main Street closed last Sunday after four

years in business.

The building is owned by Richard Capozzi, former Newtown realtor who now lives

in Florida. Mr Capozzi's son, Dan Capozzi of Capozzi-Key Realtors in Newtown,

said the restaurant business is owned by Russell Barton, who sublet it to

Joseph Romano and Michael Boccuzzi to operate Tom Sawyer's. Originally Mr

Barton's wife, Dale Manjoney Barton, also was involved with the restaurant

operations.

Dan Capozzi said he believes that Mr Barton intends to open another restaurant

there eventually.

After more than 30 years as a popular restaurant known as the Newtown Inn, the

building at 160 South Main has housed five different restaurants during the

past 10 years. Constructed in 1762, with an addition in 1787, the building

served as a residence for nearly 200 years. Twentieth century owners included

Harry Greenman, former owner of Lovell's Garage, and the late Otto Heise, who

founded a business now called Heise-Dresser Industries located across the

street. Mr Heise sold the property in 1951 to Nino and Marie DiNicola who

operated the Newtown Inn. The couple sold it to their chef, Al Coleman, who

continued to operate it until Richard Capozzi and contractor John Roman bought

the building in 1984.

The building was completely renovated and reopened in the fall of 1985 with a

continental menu. In 1987 Mr Capozzi closed the business and reopened it as a

steak and seafood house called Nehemiah's with his brother, Bill Capozzi. It

closed in 1989.

In early 1990, Tony Gallucci and his cousins, Frank and Victor DeGirolamo,

opened Cugino's, a restaurant that lasted little more than a year. When Tom

Sawyer's opened in August 1991, it boasted a large bar/lounge, a 1,000 square

foot patio and live entertainment.

Neighbors objected to the loud music, however, prompting the town to issue a

cease and desist order in 1992. Mr Romano and Mr Boccuzzi responded by filing

a lawsuit against the town in October 1993.

Mr Barton, Mr Romano and Mr Boccuzzi could not be reached for comment this

week.