A&S Fine Foods, Tony Hwang Celebrate 25 Years of Excellent Food and Customer Service

By: Molly Herman w/ help from Tony Hwang

State Senator Tony Hwang and local Fairfield residents came together Saturday on Black Rock Turnpike to commemorate the 25th anniversary of A&S Italian Fine Foods. The energy in the store was palpable, filled with laughter and cheerfulness, as this important milestone was celebrated. During the festivities Hwang presented owner Carmine Battimelli with a General Assembly Official Citation recognizing his 25 years of success in the Fairfield area. The Senator praised A&S as “a staple of the community”, highlighting their culinary expertise, outstanding customer service and the many ways A&S gives back to the community in which it serves. When asked to comment on these years, Battimelli replied, “25 years went by so fast! When you’re having fun doing what you love it goes by quick… it has been a pleasure…and I’m looking forward to serving for another 25 and more.

The store, which originated in Stratford, was there for nine years prior to closing its doors and relocating to Fairfield. A&S Italian Fine Foods prides itself on providing the finest of products, including specialty items, as well as the level of customer service given to each person who walks through the door. Among the current customer base are still many loyal Stratford individuals who have continued to patronize A&S even after the move. Among Saturday’s well-wishers was Bruce August, who has been coming to the store since he moved to Fairfield eight years ago. “I come in for lunch and sometimes dinner every day for the quality of the food and the excellent customer service I receive.”

As people joined in celebrating the store’s success, the Battimelli family, Carmine, his wife Doreen, and their sons Donny and Giovanni, deemed this event to be Customer Appreciation Day. The day was filled with passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold appetizers, as well as giveaways to loyal customers. For the ultimate shopping experience “…sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…” and Carmine and staff will be glad that you came. Congratulations to the Battimelli’s, and here’s to the next 25 years!