Picture Somers - Then And Now

SOMERS, CT — Periodically, Ellington-Somers Patch will post an old photo with a brief story behind it, as well as a peek at what the property looks like today.

For more than three decades, Rich's Drive-In was among the most popular eateries in Somers. Located at 74 South Road, or Route 83, the 1950s-themed restaurant was opened by Richard Tantillo in 1978. He ran it for about 20 years before selling it to employee Carter Colby in 1998.

Colby operated Rich's for another dozen years, maintaining such favorite events as Cruise Nights and the keeping the simple, basic menu on which it had always thrived. Unfortunately, the recession of the late 2000s made it extremely difficult to stay in business, and Colby closed Rich's in Oct. 2010.

Colby operated a used computer store, Computer Salvage, in the building for a while, then PT Custom Carts, a golf cart dealer, occupied the space before moving to 59 Field Road.

Here is a view of the Computer Salvage storefront, as well as a contemporary look at the building, taken just a few days ago.