Sale Of 2 Greenwich Eateries Terminated, Businesses Reopened By Original Owners

GREENWICH, CT — Two popular Greenwich eateries reopened this week under original ownership after the sale of the businesses was terminated.

Constantino's Pasta Bowls and Love You A Latte, which are located next to each other at 160 Hamilton Ave. in the Chickahominy neighborhood of Greenwich, were temporarily closed for two weeks in August.

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A notice posted on Aug. 19 on the front door of Constantino's Pasta Bowls stated that the business violated town code and state statutes by failing to obtain a food service license.

Owner Robyn Bordes, who sold the businesses on July 1 to Jihaad Alyusuf, told Patch last week she hoped the eateries would reopen under new ownership this week.

Bordes said she and her husband Michael wanted to spend more time together and with their family. She also operates a public relations firm, while Michael owns a construction company.

However, according to Bordes, the situation changed as the closures persisted.

"When we sold the businesses on July 1, we genuinely believed we were beginning a new chapter. As time went on, circumstances changed, and come August when the restaurants were closed, we became increasingly concerned about the impact on our employees," Bordes told Patch via email on Tuesday.

"Many of the people who work with us have been part of what made Pasta Bowls and Love You A Latte what they are today, and we simply were not willing to risk losing the team we had worked so hard to build," she added. "Ultimately, we decided to step back in, terminate the prior transaction, and reopen the businesses ourselves."

Bordes said her licenses with the town were still valid. She spent this past weekend gearing up for Tuesday's reopenings.

Alyusuf, who also owns Petite Bretagne in Rye and Mamaroneck, N.Y., could not be reached for comment in time for publication on Wednesday.

Bordes said, "There is something very full-circle about being back."

"Sometimes things have a way of working out exactly as they are supposed to, and maybe we were simply meant to be here a little longer," she said. "Walking back into the restaurants, seeing our employees return, and welcoming customers again has been incredibly emotional and rewarding."

As for selling, Bordes said she's no longer interested.

"We learned a great deal through this experience, and we are excited to be back, rebuilding momentum and enjoying being part of the Greenwich community."