Glory Restaurant To Change Name and Offer New Fare

Adrienne Pappadopoulos, owner of ,19 Essex Street, recently announced that she will close the popular restaurant July 1 and reopen as Andolini's Italian Restaurant at the end of July.

Relevant to this, the approved the liquor license change from Glory to Andolini's at their meeting Monday night.

"Owning and operating Glory was creative and fulfilling, but it is time for a change," she said

The new restaurant is named for Vito Corleone from the Godfather books and movies. "It is revealed in Godfather II that his real name was Andolini, but it was changed at Ellis Island," she explained.

As to why Italian, Pappadopoulos said she grew up with her parents owning Pasta Villagio in Park Street Village for 15 years. That memory, along with the fact there are no longer any Italian restaurants in Andover, came up while she was looking for a new design for her restaurant. 

She also hired Brian Doyle, whose experience as Executive Chef at Mama Maria's in North End, greatly facilitated the change to Italian fare.

Andolini's will serve pasta, New York style pizzas, old-school appetizers and entrees, and the menu, she said, will have a section devoted to "a make your own bruschetta bar." The renovation, she explained, will provide a "peak into the 20- seat bruschetta and pizza bar from the dining room."

"I am thrilled and so excited to get the space transformed and open the doors."

When asked about Pasta Villagio's signature dishes, she said they are often talked about at Glory, and she may at some point share them with Doyle.

"Andolini's menu is both nostalgic and fresh, and the tasting so far have been just what I want; delicious, simple family and favorite."

She said that Andolini's will first open for dinner 7 nights a week, followed by weekday lunches and a take-out pizzeria and market with burgers, sandwiches, family-style dishes and other prepared foods.

Pappadopoulos said she is closing Glory in style.

"All are welcome to the Blaze of Glory party, Thursday, June 30 6-10 p.m, to toast twelve years of memories," she said.  

She explained it will be an opportunity to try some new menu items and also meet their new chef. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will also be served, and persons who are interested in attending need to RSVP at 978-475-4811.