by Julia Robins ‘20

Since 2003 the family-owned restaurant off Route 108, Ricciutis, has been known for having a variety of dishes with locally sourced ingredients. On December 15, Ricciutis Kitchen was sold to Thomas Zippelli, the owner of the Turn House in Colombia. 

Zippelli is the owner and executive chef of the New American restaurant The Turn House. Similarly to Ricciutis, he also strives to focus on creative menu items featuring vegetarian, vegan, organic, and gluten-free options while partnering with local farmers. Zippelli told The Warrior that the space will not be a franchise or another location of the Turn House, but the new restaurant will keep the same focus. He plans to open the building in early May after interior renovations are complete.

“The thing that drew me into Ricciutis was the wood burning oven,” Zippelli stated. “I am a huge fan of cooking with live fire and it is a really cool feature that is rarely seen in restaurants. The location is also one of the best in Olney, in my opinion. I feel very good about the purchase. I think it’s a great location, a great opportunity, and I’m excited to bring a great restaurant for the community.”