Demolition Of Villa Capri In Wallingford Almost Complete

WALLINGFORD, CT — Crews continued the demolition of the Villa Capri banquet facility on Friday morning to make way for a Cumberland Farms that will be built on the site.

After 56 years of hosting weddings, banquets, numerous events and countless memories, Villa Capri in Wallingford officially closed its doors last summer with one last event — a wedding.

There were some remnants still standing on Friday morning, including the doors that welcomed guests inside the facility. The sign “Robert Mesite, Permittee” remained above the doors, which was surrounded by wreckage and a portion of the remaining wall that was marked with “Demo” written in spray-paint.

Villa Capri was founded in 1960 by George and Rosalie Mesite.

The Mesite family announced last February that it would close the facility, saying it was a difficult decision, “but we have decided to move on to the next chapter in our lives while keeping many fond, wonderful memories.”

The family said in a statement at the time that it “decided to entertain an offer so that we can continue to concentrate on running all of our Sonic of CT franchise stores, while building our brand, and our current business investments along with new ventures to come.”

While the demolition of the facility was inevitable, seeing the wreckage has been difficult for many.

Former owner Ralph Mesite has watching the demolition from a nearby parking lot and told the Meriden Record-Journal that it has been “very tough” and sad to see.

The Record-Journal reports that the new Cumberland Farms, which will feature 16 gas pumps along with a 4,700-square-foot convenience store, is expected to open this summer.

Photos by Vinnie Salzo