After 91 years in business, the iconic Italian-American eatery Hollywood Restaurant in Auburn, Upstate New York, is closing its doors. The restaurant first opened in 1933 and has been owned and operated by members of the same family ever since. In an emotional Facebook post, co-owner Joe Colella Jr. announced the upcoming closure, causing devastation in the local community. While the reason for the closure was not disclosed, many Americans have been cutting back on dining out due to rampant inflation, which could have contributed to the decision.
In his Facebook post, Colella Jr. reflected on the history of the restaurant, mentioning the countless families, friendships, marriages, and family events that had been tied to the establishment over the years. He expressed his pride and happiness in running the restaurant while acknowledging the sadness of closing its doors. Despite the closure, he also mentioned looking forward to the next chapters of their lives. The closure of the restaurant marks the end of a multi-generational journey for the family who has owned and operated it for nearly a century.
The announcement of the closure sparked an outpouring of emotions from residents in Auburn, with many taking to the comments section on the Facebook post to express their sadness. Many shared their memories of dining at Hollywood Restaurant over the years and the special occasions they had celebrated there. Some residents mentioned the restaurant’s role in creating memories for them, while others recalled fond childhood memories associated with the eatery. The closure of Hollywood Restaurant represents more than just the end of a business; it marks the end of an era for the local community.
Hollywood Restaurant has a rich history that dates back to its opening during the Great Depression by Dan and Rose Cecora. The original liquor license from 1933, the same year Prohibition ended, still hangs on the wall of the restaurant. Bridget Colella, the daughter of the Cecoras, took over the restaurant in 1966, passing it on to her son, Joe, in the following years. The restaurant has been a staple in the Auburn community for decades, serving generations of families and creating lasting memories for many.
As Hollywood Restaurant prepares to close its doors for the final time on Saturday, Jun. 29, the community is mourning the loss of a beloved establishment. The decision to close the restaurant signals the end of an era for Auburn and highlights the challenges facing many small businesses in the current economic climate. While the closure of Hollywood Restaurant may mark the end of a chapter, it also signifies the beginning of new opportunities for the family and brings to a close a 91-year legacy that has left a lasting impact on the local community.
