Elizabeth’s Spirito’s up for sale

An iconic restaurant in the Garden State is up for sale.

News 12 Staff

Jan 11, 2020, 1:04 AM

Updated 1,567 days ago

Share:

An iconic restaurant in the Garden State is up for sale.
Spirito's Italian Restaurant in Elizabeth has been a neighborhood icon ever since it opened in 1932. Most New Jerseyans know a place like Spirito’s – a neighborhood eatery that has the best local food.
But would anyone want to buy one? That’s the question Elizabeth residents are asking with news that Spirito’s is up for sale, listed at $475,000.
News 12 New Jersey’s Brian Donohue went to the neighborhood around the restaurant to speak with some of the city’s residents about the beloved restaurant.
He headed down the block to Sacco's Butcher where the coffee cups say, ‘We're happy to serve you,’ but there's a baseball bat by the door just in case they get less happy. The shop is known to make a mean steak sandwich. The sale of Spirito’s was a hot topic.
“Yeah, I mean it’s a classic. It’s been here forever. Consistency. It’s always been… We’ll see. We’ll see what happens,” said one patron inside the butcher shop. But when asked if he would be willing to buy the establishment, he replied, “I got out of the restaurant business a long time ago,” with a laugh.
The customers inside the butcher shop all said that they guessed that Spirito’s’s would be bought by someone who would make it into a Colombian or another type of Latino restaurant.
Elizabeth has become known for its Latino culture and cuisine – immigrant family restaurants serving “old country” fare. Donohue says that it’s a similar story to how Spirito’s begins, just with empanadas replacing ravioli.
Regardless, Donohue says that it is said to see a longtime and beloved establishment disappear.
The real estate listing for Spirito’s includes the entire restaurant, liquor license and two apartments upstairs.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks