A Fond Farewell To Red Rose On Smith Street, As Owners Of Iconic Family Run Italian Restaurant Retire

A photo in Red Rose's business, showing its early beginnings

(photo credit: Red Rose)

 Santo Romano of Red Rose with members of his staff in 2011

Antonio Romano sitting at his favorite table in his restaurant

Antonio (Tony) and Santo Romano of The Red Rose,  a family-run restaurant at 315 Smith Street, has been serving classic Italian and Sicilian specialties since 1983, had some bitter-sweet news to share with the neighborhood earlier this months.  They decided to close their beloved Carroll Gardens eatery to enjoy retirement.
In a message on Red Rose's Facebook page, Santo wrote:
Dear Patrons, Friends and Family,
It is with great joy and excitement, along with some sadness too.  Red Rose will be closing its door on Sunday September 24 th.  We are officially Retiring.
As we look forward to the next chapter ahead,I must first thank you all for 34 glorious years worth of memories.
Thank you for sharing your lives in our dining room, we spent holidays, special occassions, and have seen countless children growing up in front of my eyes, Including my staff, many of you were just in high school.
I wish I could name you all, but I fear I might leave someone out, and you all know how bad I am with names ...lol
So, I will just say, Thank you to all my staff members, past and present.
We have met many people across the globe, I wish I could tap and  hug you all, as you all know I like to do, lol, but that is a bit unrealistic, so, instead, I will just say a great big Thank you for your support !!!
Time for me to say,
Mom, taking Dad fishing !

Antonio arrived in the United States  on an Italian ocean liner as a young man over 50 years ago. He first worked in restaurants around New York City, before meeting his beloved wife Anna, who encouraged him to open his own business. Their first venture was a sandwich and specialties shop on Cheever Place in Cobble Hill.
It proved so successful, that they decided to open Red Rose here in Carroll Gardens 34 years ago and "to established the family style restaurant of their dreams right here in the neighborhood they have always loved."
Their son Santo joined his parents business to continue the tradition. While Anna and Antonio welcomed patrons from a table in the front, Santo moved through the dining room, recited the nightly specials and made everyone feel welcomed.
Sadly, Anna passed away a few years ago, but Tony continued to stay involved in the business with his son.

Like for many others here in the neighborhood, Red Rose has been an integral part of my family's life and we will miss this iconic Carroll Gardens restaurant very much. At the same time, we are happy for Tony and Santo and hope that they will enjoy every day of their well deserved retirement.
Here is to hoping that the fishing is good, Santo and Tony!