09/02/2020
Thanks For the Memories
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The year was 1951.
Harry Truman was President.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” launched a young Marlon Brando to Hollywood stardom.
A brand–new show called “I Love Lucy” made us laugh until we cried for the first time.
And a former singing waiter by the name of Tony Bennett was hitting the charts for the first time with “Because of You.”
And there was another new kid on the block, for in 1951 Riccardo’s was born under the gaze of the Triborough Bridge.
Founded by Richard Corbisiero, Sr., Riccardo’s has been a family–owned business for all of its near–70 years. And for that entire time we have focused on treating all of our guests like family, providing a “home away from home,” and ensuring that we always stayed true to our guiding principle: “At Riccardo’s, your elegant affair does not have to cost a fortune.”
In return our Astoria family has honored four generations of the Corbisiero family with their loyalty and trust. To say that we are humbled and honored would not capture even a small sliver of our appreciation. You have honored us with hosting the most meaningful events of your lives: when love was in the air at your weddings; when tears flowed at the funeral repast of loved ones; when you got the gang together for a Reunion, or Holiday, or Dinner Dance, or Murder Mystery, or Carnevale, or Valentine’s Day or anything else that required fine food and even finer company, the Riccardo’s family was there to share in the highs and lows and in-betweens with your families.
That’s a big lead-up to avoid getting to this:
Riccardo’s by the Bridge is closing for good. This decision has been extremely difficult to make, and is solely due to the various impacts of the COVID pandemic; if it were up to us we would cater your special events forever. But after reviewing all options and weighing all known factors, there is simply no realistic path forward given all of the unknowns: when we might reopen and, even then, the anticipated City, State and Federal restrictions that will most definitely be placed on such a reopening.
We are proud of what we’ve done over the years. Our business goal was to create a venue that was affordable to the widest group of people possible while showing them a great time, a great value, all at a great price. And we succeeded. Making sure we remained affordable meant that the greatest number of people could have the greatest number of celebrations at a place featuring —if I may say so myself— the GREATEST fried calamari anywhere.
We will truly miss sharing in the events of your lives; it has truly been an honor to serve you all.
As Tony Bennett, the Riccardo’s singing waiter (yep… Riccardo’s) sang: “…and I can smile because of you.”
May God bless you all.
Stay safe.
Thanks for the memories.
Anthony Corbisiero
President
Riccardo’s by the Bridge
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Our office will be contacting anyone who has an event booked and a deposit on file, all of which will be refunded over the next 90 days. All such communications will be by email or by phone, as our Banquet Offices will not be re-opening. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding.
