It's taken two decades and a lot of hard work but an Endicott man's vision of opening his own Italian restaurant is about to become a reality.

Alberto Paolini at the entrance of his new restaurant in the Town of Union. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Alberto Paolini at the entrance of his new restaurant in the Town of Union. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Alberto Paolini purchased an old two-family house at 2308 Watson Boulevard in Endwell in the summer of 1997. He dreamed of one day fixing up the place and turning it into a restaurant.

Paolini was 19 years old when he came to the United States from his native Italy in 1965. He's worked construction jobs and for a time operated an Endwell doughnut shop.

In recent years, he kept busy on weekends and at night converting the Watson Boulevard building into a restaurant with a bar.

After "a long time and a lot of work," Paolini's Ristorante Dell'Arco is about to open its doors.

Paolini said the restaurant will feature pasta dishes, pizza and more. He said he's excited that the time has finally arrived where area residents will be able to visit and see what he's been up to.

The restaurant features seating on two levels and a bar. It's having a soft opening this week with a grand opening planned soon.

Ristorante Dell'Arco is located six blocks west of where Brothers 2 restaurant had operated for 48 years before owner Domenic Fata retired last February.

A section of the lower level of Ristorante Dell'Arco. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A section of the lower level of Ristorante Dell'Arco. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM