PITTSTON — One Main Street business that has been in the same location since it opened is the Gramercy Ballroom & Restaurant, owned and operated by the Augello family and steeped in tradition.
Located at 155 S. Main St., the Gramercy was founded in 1938 by Giuseppi and Giustina Augello, who ran the business until passing it down to sons, Michael Sr. and his wife Susan, and Sam and his wife Marcella, who ran it for nearly 40 years. Eventually, the founders’ grandson, Michael Augello Jr. and his wife Mary Pat took over the reins.
The family business is the lifeblood of the family, something evident in that 99-year old Michael Augello Sr. goes to the restaurant twice a day. Senior wasn’t just sitting around the morning the Sunday Dispatch visited the Gramercy; he was making cabbage soup for patrons.
Mike Jr. has been involved with the restaurant since 1977. At 63, he doesn’t have plans to step down any time soon, but hopes one of his children will take an interest in running the business. “I won’t be making soup if I reach my dad’s age,” he quipped. “But who knows what the future will bring.”
The Gramercy boasts a full bar, restaurant, private dining rooms, as well as a ballroom that can seat up to 350 people.
The restaurant features an Italian-American menu, offering unique Sicilian items like stuffed tripe, pasta puttanesca and pasta con sarde as well as stuffed artichokes when in season. All food is prepared fresh on-site daily.
The Gramercy is known for its award-winning sauce.
On the American side, patrons can order a steak, pork chops or seafood cooked to perfection. Not hungry for a full meal? The Augellos are known for their pan pizza, which originated at the Gramercy.
You can grab lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Fridays and dinner only on Saturdays at the restaurant.
If you grew up in Greater Pittston, you most likely have attended an event at the Gramercy. The ballroom has hosted thousands of weddings, holiday parties, baby and bridal showers, reunions, birthday and graduation parties and bereavements gatherings, as well as Chamber of Commerce events.
“We don’t see too many Holy Communion parties much these days,” Mike Jr. joked. He admitted to enjoying the weddings they host. “I get to sit down and enjoy the people when they are in a good mood and happy.”
Over eight decades, the Gramercy Ballroom has provided a convenient location, blending great food with an intimate atmosphere, pleasing everyone’s palette. It offers plated, buffet and family-style menus for any occasion.
