The StoneRose’s Brian Pieri has purchased Totaro’s, the 51 year old Conshy landmark that helped launch Conshohocken’s restaurant scene when Andrew Totaro transformed his family’s neighborhood bar and restaurant into a fine dining establishment with European chefs.  Like many fine dining restaurants, it has has changed with the times and in recent years has offered a more casual dining experience .

Rumors regarding Pieri opening a second restaurant have been around for more than a year.   While he is not yet ready to announce the name or the concept for the new restaurant, he did travel to France and Italy this past year, so expect European influences.  He stated, “The menu and concept will be different than The StoneRose, however, our new concept was developed under the same principles of focusing on the best ingredients, our love of great wines and craft beer.”

Totaro’s will remain open until New Year’s Eve so people can enjoy one last meal or cocktail at the restaurant, plus provide people holding gift certificates the opportunity to utilize them.  They expect to enjoy a busy holiday season and are available to host holiday parties.

Once closed, Pieri is going to spend several months transforming the space to fit his concept.  He is hesitant to give a projected opening date because, “it always takes longer than expected.”  For now, you can register to receive updates on the progress and an invitation to the opening.

Totaro mentioned that over the year’s he has met a lot of people through the restaurant, however, he hasn’t had the opportunity to enjoy a meal with everyone.  So if you visit Totaro’s before the New Year, don’t be surprised if he saves a chair for himself at your table.

A little history….

Totaro’s, which opened in 1961, is currently the longest running restaurant operating under the same name in Conshohocken.  With its closure, the Spring Mill Cafe, which opened in 1978, will hold that title.  Coming in a close second will be the Casmar Cafe, having opened in 1979.

We are going to do a full retrospective on Totaro’s in the coming weeks, so watch for that.