07/02/2019
Last Dance!
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Bruno’s On the Boulevard, Inc. is closed, and the property will be under new ownership. While the thought of selling never really had crossed my mind, recent medical issues affecting my family have necessitated that I rethink future plans. Additionally, costs due to NYC, NYS and Federal legislation have dramatically raised the cost of doing business. Increased labor, healthcare, licenses, property taxes and the rising cost of food and beverages have caused prices to rise above what is affordable by our very loyal customers. Rather than lessen the quality of our affairs to remain profitable I have decided to close our doors. While the new owners have expressed interest in possibly maintaining the building as a catering hall, nothing is definite at this point. People close to me know that I have always valued my reputation above all else.
On a positive note I am happy to announce that our OFF-PREMISE division “Events by Bruno’s” will still remain in operation under the supervision and ownership of our long-term General Manager Chris Marrero. Chris has formed his own catering business under the name Country Club Caterers. He is currently searching for a new base of operations and will hopefully make an announcement soon. We wish Chris all success in carrying on the great catering traditions created by Events by Bruno’s.
As many of you may know I began working at Bruno’s when I was 16 years old. Over the past 47 years I have functioned in every capacity from Dishwasher to Owner. Countless hours of my life were spent in this building preparing, serving and cleaning up week after week, event upon event. It has been my pleasure to get to serve our guests on some of the most important occasions in their lives. My years at Bruno’s On the Boulevard have been and will remain a substantial part of my life and who I am. From the bottom of my heart I say thank you to all the loyal customers that have enriched my business life.
To my dedicated staff, I wish you all the luck in every future endeavor. Many of you have worked 15, 20, 25 and even 30 plus years at Bruno’s. Like me you have given up holidays, missed family events and worked long and hard to put on a catered event that we are all very proud of. I hope you take with you cherished memories and the fact that YOU have done an incredible job. I will always consider you part of my extended family.
Finally, to my mentor, Sam Bruno who passed away this past January at the age of 93. Sam, you gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. I walked in to you over 4 decades ago as a teenager that barely knew how to tie his own shoes or keep his shirt tucked in. Over the next several years you mentored me, taught me, scolded me and above all always trusted me until you finally gave up and sold me the business. I thank you for that opportunity and incredible trust. To the Bruno family I thank you for always having my back. Without your support and understanding I may not have made it this far.
I cherish every memory over the last four decades. I invite all our friends and family that have had events at Bruno’s to post pictures, comments and goodbyes.
Thank you,
John Fellin
President
Bruno’s On the Boulevard, Inc
