Out with the Old In with the New

Samantha Butcher - ONEONTA, NY

A recent ownership change brings new challenges and successes to Roma Restaurant and Pizzeria in Sidney, NY. After being open for nearly eight years as Roma, in the last five months a new owner has taken over.  Sal Barresi's new position has not come easy but the results are constantly improving. 

Outside Roma Restaurant, Sidney

Barresi grew up on Long Island and began working as a dish washer for his uncles at a young age. After working in the business, over time he was able to work his way up.  One of his uncle's is a partner in the chain of Roma and Nina's restaurants in upstate, NY.  After opportunities arose at these establishments, Baressi took advantage and decided to move. 

Five months ago, the previous Sidney Roma owner was faced with the decision of retirement which ultimately led to Barresi being offered the job.  However, joining a business as a new boss can come with difficulties. 

"The hardest part is just trying to fix the wrongs that were done by the previous owner and just trying to become friends with everybody and get to know your employees," said Baressi on some of the biggest challenges he has faced so far. 

Cashier & Pizza counter inside Roma

The new owner has found working with a new, already established staff has been one of the toughest parts.  He is working on trying to better relationships with his entire staff. Fixing and improving on parts of the business has become a big priority.

After a short time, the staff and owner began working well together and the feeling of the overall work environment has improved. 

"I like my job now, I look forward to going to work.  I make real money now because things are much better," said Alexa Yoder, waitress at Roma.  

Yoder, along with many other employees, agrees that since Barresi has taken over many positive changes have been made. It has brought back the enjoyment of going to work and being a part of the "family" that has come to be.

As owner, Barresi is tasked with many things to keep the business running.  Among these are making sure orders are going out right, ordering supplies and food, taking care of all the banking and much more. He has plans of improvements for the restaurant, not only with the food and production, but appearance as well. He would like to make changes to the interior with new paint, possible carpeting and updating tables.

Side entrance to Roma

"So far everything is going great we still got a little ways to go to get it back to where it's been but I think it's gonna be a good climb for everybody, especially all my employees," said Baressi about the overall progress of the business and how things have been going.

While joining a business is not easy at first, Baressi continues to lead his staff and work together with them to achieve all that he would like to. With already made changes and future plans to continue progress, he is confidant that the restaurant is going to be the best it can.