Rocco’s Calamari closes after a memorable 35 years

After 35 years of serving the Brooklyn community, Rocco and Lucy Bruno, beloved owners of Rocco’s Calamari on the border of Boro Park and Dyker Heights, announced their retirement to family, friends and staff, and have officially closed Brooklyn’s famed and iconic restaurant today, August 9.

Since 1981, dedicated customers have been flocking to Rocco’s Calamari for its mouth-watering and homemade Italian dishes as well as the warm and welcoming environment that kept Brooklynites coming back.

“This is truly bittersweet,” said Lucy Bruno, owner of Rocco’s Calamari. “What I really took away from this are the people we have met. We met people from all walks of life and a lot of them became our good friends. We really feel that we brought the community together.”

Many of Rocco’s life-long customers have expressed their sadness over the restaurant’s closing.

“When I heard Rocco’s was closing, I was in shock,” said Rosemarie Perez, loyal customer of Rocco’s for 25 years. “I remember finding Rocco’s Calamari in 1990, and when I tried their pulpo salad, I fell in love. Even when I moved to Long Island, I’ve still been making my husband pick up from Rocco’s to bring back to the house. I’ll truly miss them.”

“I’m very sad, but unfortunately not surprised that Rocco’s is closing its doors,” said Matthew Guadagno, Bay Ridge resident. “Rocco’s was one of the few places still around on Fort Hamilton since my childhood. I’ll always remember the good times I had here with my family as we shared a plate of their famous calamari with their unforgettable marinara. Thank for the memories, Rocco. All the best!”

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