En tant que personne née et élevée sur Manhattan Ave à Bridgeport pendant les années vibrantes des années 90, certains souvenirs restent vifs et précieux. Chaque été, mes amis et moi marchions avec enthousiasme sur Madison Ave jusqu'à Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, créant des mélanges colorés de nos saveurs préférées. Ces jours-là n'étaient pas seulement à propos du sorbet italien—ils étaient à propos de l'amitié, des rires et de grandir dans une communauté qui a façonné ce que je suis aujourd'hui.

Je me souviens encore d'une année, quand j'étais enfant, étant descendu du bus scolaire au mauvais arrêt—juste pour être l'un des premiers à prendre un verre de sorbet italien dès que Micalizzi’s ouvrait pour la saison. Cette excitation, ce goût de l'été, était quelque chose de magique que seule la famille Piccirillo, Jay Piccirillo et Micalizzi’s pouvaient offrir.

Aujourd'hui, nous réfléchissons profondément à la vie incroyable et à l'héritage de Jay Piccirillo, l'icône "Homme de Glace" de Bridgeport. Jay est décédé subitement à l'âge de 54 ans, laissant une marque inoubliable sur notre ville. Sa personnalité plus grande que nature, combinant le charisme de Willy Wonka, Walt Disney et le Père Noël, n'était égalée que par sa compassion et sa générosité sans bornes.

Jay a grandi chez Micalizzi’s, fondé à l'origine par Sal Micalizzi dans les années 1930 et ensuite dirigé par son père, Andy. Sous la direction enthousiaste de Jay, Micalizzi’s est devenu non seulement un lieu emblématique local mais a également considérablement élargi ses activités par des opérations de gros et le populaire "Brain Freeze Bar" mobile.

Surnommé affectueusement "Pic", l'héritage de Jay va bien au-delà de ses affaires. Il était un philanthrope infatigable qui soutenait sans relâche des événements communautaires, des œuvres de charité et d'innombrables familles dans le besoin. De l'organisation de matchs de lutte, de feux d'artifice et de festivals du Jour de Christophe Colomb à la fourniture de repas pendant les vacances, les actions de Jay ont continuellement favorisé l'unité et la joie.

BISTRO BUDDY honore fièrement la vie extraordinaire de Jay Piccirillo, mettant en lumière les valeurs de gentillesse, d'optimisme et de service communautaire qu'il incarnait. Bridgeport n'est pas seulement la ville de notre naissance—c'est un témoignage de l'impact durable de Jay, où chaque boule de Micalizzi’s Italian Ice reste un doux rappel des liens que nous chérissons et de la communauté que nous aimons.

L'esprit vibrant de Jay Piccirillo vivra à jamais dans le cœur de Bridgeport. Sa famille n'a pas créé qu'une entreprise—ils ont créé une histoire que les générations raconteront. Le bâtiment qui se dressait fièrement au 712 Madison Avenue n'était pas qu'un magasin—c'était un monument où les gens se rassemblaient, où le parking bourdonnait de conversations et où des amitiés se formaient sur les trottoirs. Ce coin de Bridgeport garde des souvenirs congelés dans le temps, adoucis à chaque boule de sorbet italien et réchauffés par l'héritage de l'homme qui a rendu tout cela possible.

Bridgeport n'est pas seulement la ville où notre histoire culinaire a commencé—c'est aussi là où j'ai commencé mon voyage culinaire, en fréquentant l'école de cuisine à la Bullard-Havens Technical High School. Cette base a approfondi ma connexion avec la communauté alimentaire de Bridgeport, inspirant finalement la création de BISTRO BUDDY, une entreprise enracinée dans le même esprit communautaire et passion culinaire. Voir comment Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, sous la direction de Jay Piccirillo, est devenu un symbole d'unité et de créativité, nous a inspirés à mettre en avant non seulement les aliments, mais les histoires derrière chaque plat et sa connexion avec la communauté.

Voici un autre morceau d'histoire pour connecter davantage l'histoire, mais si quelqu'un a plus à ajouter, nous serions heureux de le mettre à jour. Si la famille souhaite prendre contact, nous serions ravis d'explorer plus en profondeur l'héritage de Jay, en offrant une couverture vidéo détaillée pour honorer cet homme incroyable.

Como alguém que nasceu e foi criado na Manhattan Ave em Bridgeport durante os vibrantes anos 90, algumas memórias permanecem vívidas e preciosas. Todo verão, meus amigos e eu caminhávamos ansiosos pela Madison Ave até o Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, criando misturas coloridas dos nossos sabores favoritos. Aqueles dias não eram apenas sobre o sorvete italiano—eram sobre amizades, risadas e crescer em uma comunidade que moldou quem sou hoje.

Ainda me lembro de um ano, quando criança, descendo do ônibus escolar no ponto errado—só para ser um dos primeiros a pegar um copo de sorvete italiano assim que o Micalizzi’s abrisse para a temporada. Aquela empolgação, aquele gosto de verão, era algo mágico que só a família Piccirillo, Jay Piccirillo e Micalizzi’s podiam oferecer.

Hoje, refletimos profundamente sobre a incrível vida e o legado de Jay Piccirillo, o icônico "Homem do Gelo" de Bridgeport. Jay faleceu de repente aos 54 anos, deixando uma marca inesquecível em nossa cidade. Sua personalidade grandiosa, combinando o carisma de Willy Wonka, Walt Disney e Papai Noel, era igualada apenas pela sua compaixão e generosidade ilimitadas.

Jay cresceu no Micalizzi’s, fundado originalmente por Sal Micalizzi na década de 1930 e depois administrado por seu pai, Andy. Sob a entusiástica liderança de Jay, o Micalizzi’s não só se tornou um marco local, mas também expandiu significativamente por meio das operações por atacado e o popular "Brain Freeze Bar" móvel.

Carinhosamente conhecido como "Pic", o legado de Jay vai muito além de seus negócios. Ele foi um filantropo incansável que apoiou eventos comunitários, instituições de caridade e inúmeras famílias necessitadas. Desde a organização de lutas de wrestling, fogos de artifício e festivais do Dia de Colombo até o fornecimento de refeições durante os feriados, as ações de Jay continuamente fomentaram unidade e alegria.

A BISTRO BUDDY orgulhosamente honra a extraordinária vida de Jay Piccirillo, destacando os valores de bondade, otimismo e serviço comunitário que ele personificava. Bridgeport não é apenas a cidade de nosso nascimento—é um testemunho do impacto duradouro de Jay, onde cada colher de Micalizzi’s Italian Ice continua sendo um doce lembrete das conexões que valorizamos e da comunidade que amamos.

O espírito vibrante de Jay Piccirillo viverá para sempre no coração de Bridgeport. Sua família criou mais do que um negócio—criaram uma história para gerações contarem. O prédio que se erguia orgulhosamente na 712 Madison Avenue não era apenas uma loja—era um marco onde as pessoas se reuniam, onde o estacionamento fervilhava de conversas e onde amizades se formavam nas calçadas. Aquela esquina de Bridgeport guarda memórias congeladas no tempo, adoçadas a cada colher de sorvete italiano e aquecidas pelo legado do homem que tornou tudo isso possível.

Bridgeport não é apenas a cidade onde nossa história e culinária começaram—também é onde comecei minha jornada culinária, frequentando a escola de culinária na Bullard-Havens Technical High School. Essa base aprofundou minha conexão com a comunidade alimentar de Bridgeport, eventualmente inspirando a criação da BISTRO BUDDY, um empreendimento fundamentado no mesmo espírito de comunidade e paixão culinária. Vendo como o Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, sob a liderança de Jay Piccirillo, se tornou um símbolo de unidade e criatividade, fomos inspirados a mostrar não apenas alimentos, mas as histórias por trás de cada prato e sua conexão com a comunidade.

Aqui está um pedaço adicional de história para conectar ainda mais a narrativa, mas se alguém tiver mais para adicionar, ficaremos felizes em atualizá-la. Se a família desejar entrar em contato, adoraríamos mergulhar mais fundo no legado de Jay, oferecendo cobertura em vídeo detalhada para homenagear esse homem incrível.

As someone who was born and raised on Manhattan Ave in Bridgeport during the vibrant 90s, some memories remain vivid and cherished. Every summer, my friends and I eagerly walked down Madison Ave to Micalizzi Italian Ice, creating colorful mixtures of our favorite flavors. Those days weren't just about Italian Ice—they were about friendships, laughter, and growing up in a community that shaped who I am today.

I still remember one year as a kid, getting off the school bus at the wrong stop—just so I could be one of the first to grab a cup of Italian Ice as soon as Micalizzi’s opened for the season. That excitement, that taste of summer, was something magical that only Piccirillo family, Jay Piccirillo and Micalizzi’s could deliver.

Today, we deeply reflect on the incredible life and legacy of Jay Piccirillo, Bridgeport’s iconic "Ice Man." Jay passed away suddenly at the age of 54, leaving behind an unforgettable mark on our city. His larger-than-life personality, combining the charisma of Willy Wonka, Walt Disney, and Santa Claus, was matched only by his boundless compassion and generosity.

Jay grew up at Micalizzi’s, originally founded by Sal Micalizzi in the 1930s and later run by his father, Andy. Under Jay's enthusiastic stewardship, Micalizzi's not only became a local landmark but also expanded significantly through wholesale operations and the popular mobile "Brain Freeze Bar."

Affectionately known as "Pic," Jay’s legacy extends far beyond his business. He was an unwavering philanthropist who tirelessly supported community events, charities, and countless families in need. From organizing wrestling matches, fireworks, and Columbus Day festivals to providing meals during holidays, Jay’s actions continuously fostered unity and joy.

BISTRO BUDDY proudly honors Jay Piccirillo’s extraordinary life, highlighting the values of kindness, optimism, and community service that he embodied. Bridgeport isn’t just the city of our birth—it’s a testament to Jay’s lasting impact, where every scoop of Micalizzi Italian Ice remains a sweet reminder of the connections we cherish and the community we love.

Jay Piccirillo’s vibrant spirit will forever live on in the heart of Bridgeport. His family created more than a business—they created a story for generations to tell. The building that stood proudly at 712 Madison Avenue wasn’t just a shop—it was a landmark where people gathered, where the parking lot buzzed with conversation, and where friendships formed on the sidewalks. That corner of Bridgeport holds memories frozen in time, sweetened with every scoop of Italian Ice and warmed by the legacy of the man who made it all possible.

Bridgeport isn't just the birth city of our food story and history—it’s also where I began my culinary journey, attending culinary school at Bullard-Havens Technical High School. This foundation deepened my connection to the Bridgeport food community, eventually inspiring the creation of BISTRO BUDDY, a venture rooted in the same spirit of community and culinary passion. Seeing how Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, under Jay Piccirillo’s leadership, became a symbol of unity and creativity, we were inspired to showcase not just food, but the stories behind every dish and its connection to the community

Here’s an additional piece of history to further connect the story, but if anyone has more to add, we’d be happy to update it. If the family wishes to reach out, we would love to dive deeper into Jay’s legacy, offering detailed video coverage to honor this incredible man.

Jay Piccirillo’s journey with Micalizzi’s Italian Ice is a testament to his dedication to both family and community. Taking over the business from his father, Andy Piccirillo, who had purchased it in 1979, Jay continued to build on the legacy that had started in 1937. Under Jay’s leadership, Micalizzi’s became a beloved Bridgeport institution, offering delicious Italian ice while expanding the product line and adding creative new flavors.

One of Jay’s most notable contributions was his savvy use of social media. Recognizing the power of Facebook and Instagram, Jay expertly used visuals to showcase Micalizzi’s treats, learning the best times to post and leveraging major events like the Super Bowl to boost visibility. His understanding of social media marketing helped Micalizzi’s reach a wider audience and solidified its place in the hearts of many.

Jay’s efforts didn’t stop at social media. He continuously innovated by introducing new flavors, including the famous cannoli ice cream, and the unique "Brain Freeze Bar" that brought Micalizzi’s to events and festivals, making it more accessible to the community. His commitment to maintaining the family business while staying on top of modern trends contributed significantly to the continued success and relevance of Micalizzi’s Italian Ice in Bridgeport and beyond.

Micalizzi’s Italian Ice: A Bridgeport Institution’s History

Origins with Sal Micalizzi (1940s–1970s)

Micalizzi’s Italian Ice began in the late 1940s or early 1950s when Salvatore “Sal” Micalizzi opened a small Italian ice stand at Success Park in Bridgeport. His gourmet Italian ices and ice creams quickly earned a loyal following. In the early 1960s, Sal relocated to Madison Avenue, expanding the menu and building a stronger presence. By the 1970s, he had moved again to the Black Rock area and eventually to East Main Street, establishing what would become the flagship store. His products became a summertime tradition in Bridgeport, celebrated for their flavor and authenticity.

Andy Piccirillo’s Vision and Transition (1970s–1984)

In the 1970s, Bridgeport native Andy Piccirillo fell in love with Micalizzi’s and dreamed of selling the Italian ice himself. With Sal’s blessing, Andy opened a small stand on the front porch of his home on Madison Avenue in 1977. It was a hit, especially with students from nearby Central High School. In 1983, Sal passed the torch and sold the business to Andy. Sadly, Andy passed away just one year later in 1984 at the age of 38, leaving behind his wife Lucille and two young children. His dream, however, would live on.

Lucille Piccirillo’s Leadership (1984–2000s)

After Andy’s passing, his wife Lucille took full control of the business. With no business experience and two children to raise, she successfully managed and grew Micalizzi’s. She kept Sal’s original recipes intact, expanded the flavor lineup, and built a growing customer base. Under Lucille’s care, the Madison Avenue stand became a cherished local fixture, drawing generations of families each season and paving the way for the next era of family ownership.

Jay “The Iceman” Piccirillo and Modern Expansion (2000s–2020s)

Jason “Jay” Piccirillo grew up working the stand from the age of seven. After college, he took on a larger role and eventually became the face of Micalizzi’s. Jay expanded the menu to over two dozen Italian ice flavors and introduced homemade ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. He also introduced protein-infused shakes and organic supplements inspired by his bodybuilding background. Jay launched the Brain Freeze Bar, a mobile cart and truck that brought Micalizzi’s to events and festivals around the region. In 2021, he opened a second retail location in downtown Milford, fulfilling a long-time goal of expanding beyond Bridgeport. His charismatic “Ice Man” persona, complete with costumes and social media catchphrases like “Have an ice day,” made Micalizzi’s not just a dessert shop but an experience.

Community Involvement and Local Impact

Micalizzi’s has long been a cornerstone of the Bridgeport community. From church events and school fundraisers to charity donations and family festivals, the Piccirillos have always given back. Jay organized everything from wrestling shows to Columbus Day parades and fireworks outside the shop. He was known for playing Santa at Christmastime and donating thousands of meals during the holidays. His generosity, warm personality, and creative energy made him a beloved figure. The shop itself became a meeting place where people felt like family, and Jay became a symbol of community pride and unity.

Jay Piccirillo’s Passing and Enduring Legacy (2025)

In April 2025, Bridgeport lost one of its most cherished figures when Jay Piccirillo passed away suddenly at age 54. The community was heartbroken. Jay had become synonymous with Micalizzi’s and with Bridgeport itself. People gathered outside the Madison Avenue stand, leaving flowers and messages in tribute. He had kept alive a tradition started in the 1940s and elevated it to new heights. Today, his legacy lives on through the family business, which continues to serve delicious Italian ice and ice cream, bringing people together with the same warmth and joy that Jay embodied. Micalizzi’s remains a symbol of unity, tradition, and local pride—thanks to Jay, Lucille, Andy, and Sal before them.

West Haven，康涅狄格州——2025年3月26日

West Haven 的海岸线将迎来重大变革。在一次全票通过的表决中，West Haven 城市规划与分区委员会批准了 The Kelsey @ Savin Rock 项目——一个高端的 海滨餐厅与宴会厅，坐落在 Long Island Sound 海湾旁。该消息由 市长 Dorinda Borer 通过 LinkedIn 官方宣布，标志着该市海岸区域复兴计划迈出了坚定的一步，也彰显了对本地企业发展的支持。

“一个项目的落地，需要一个强大的团队共同推动。”Borer 在她的帖子中表示，并对团队合作精神给予赞扬。对于关注 2025年3月 West Haven 城市规划与分区会议进展的人来说，这项餐厅提案无疑是最受期待的议题之一。

全新美食目的地：The Kelsey @ Savin Rock

该项目由 RTR Hospitality Group 开发，他们也是康州知名场所 Boca、Spotted Horse 和 Gray Goose Café 的幕后团队。The Kelsey 将提供 顶级海景用餐体验，主打 美式海岸菜、新鲜海鲜、寿司和生蚝吧，以及精致饮品。整体设计包含 屋顶露台与两个户外露天平台，可以俯瞰海岸线，非常适合享受日落晚餐和周末早午餐。

The Kelsey 还将作为 宴会厅，承接婚礼、企业聚会和本地庆典等大型活动。预计项目将为 West Haven 创造多达 160 个工作岗位，对本地旅游与经济发展都将产生积极影响。

推动旅游与经济发展的重大胜利

The Kelsey 的批准体现了 West Haven 市政府重振海岸经济、打造 美食、活动与社区连接中心的承诺。该项目也向居民与投资人发出明确信号：West Haven 正在快速发展，欢迎商业入驻。

像 "West Haven Savin Rock 新开餐厅" 和 "Long Island Sound 附近的宴会厅" 等搜索即将有了权威答案。在 市长 Dorinda Borer 的领导 和委员会的远见下，West Haven 将跻身康州最具吸引力的滨海目的地之列。

BISTRO BUDDY 强力支持

BISTRO BUDDY 的使命是连接社区与本地最好的美食、饮品和活动体验。作为 康涅狄格领先的美食活动平台，我们为 The Kelsey @ Savin Rock 的成功落地感到兴奋，并致力于通过 宣传报道、开业推广、供应商对接和活动支持等形式持续推动其影响力。

我们也欢迎寻找 "如何在 West Haven 推广我的 food truck" 或 "康州有哪些活动推广平台" 的商户与我们联系。我们相信此项目将开启更多海岸活动、季节性市集与厨艺合作的机会，而我们将确保社区在每个阶段都保持高度参与。

展望未来：专为庆典打造的海岸

无论您是寻找 康州最佳海景餐厅的本地食客、筹办 West Haven 海边婚宴的情侣，还是在 2025 年想抓住 餐厅开发机会的创业者，The Kelsey 都为每一个人提供了选择。

绝佳地理位置、资深开发商与全面的社区支持，让 The Kelsey @ Savin Rock 不再只是一个项目——它是未来几年将重塑 West Haven 经济与文化身份的标志性目的地。

祝贺市长 Dorinda Borer、West Haven 规划与分区委员会及 RTR Hospitality 团队。West Haven 的新篇章正式开启——BISTRO BUDDY 很荣幸能讲述这段故事。

West Haven, CT – 26 de marzo de 2025

La costa de West Haven está a punto de transformarse. En una votación unánime, la Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación de West Haven aprobó la propuesta para The Kelsey @ Savin Rock, un exclusivo restaurante y salón de banquetes frente al Long Island Sound. La noticia, anunciada con orgullo por la alcaldesa Dorinda Borer a través de LinkedIn, representa un paso audaz hacia la revitalización del área costera de la ciudad y el impulso del crecimiento empresarial local.

“Se necesita un gran equipo para lograr que las cosas sucedan”, escribió Borer en su publicación, celebrando el esfuerzo colaborativo que llevó este proyecto a la meta. Para quienes siguieron las actualizaciones de las reuniones de Planificación y Zonificación de West Haven en marzo de 2025, esta propuesta de restaurante era uno de los temas más esperados en la agenda.

Un nuevo destino culinario: The Kelsey @ Savin Rock

Desarrollado por RTR Hospitality Group—el equipo detrás de populares establecimientos en Connecticut como Boca, Spotted Horse y Gray Goose Café—The Kelsey ofrecerá una experiencia gastronómica de primer nivel frente al mar en West Haven. Los comensales podrán disfrutar de cocina costera americana, mariscos frescos, un bar de sushi y mariscos crudos, y una selección de bebidas curadas. El diseño incluye una terraza en la azotea y dos patios al aire libre con vistas panorámicas del litoral, perfectas para cenas al atardecer y brunches de fin de semana.

Además, The Kelsey funcionará como un salón de banquetes en la costa de West Haven, albergando bodas, reuniones corporativas y celebraciones locales. Se espera que cree hasta 160 nuevos empleos en West Haven, convirtiéndose en un importante motor de turismo y desarrollo económico.

Una gran victoria para el desarrollo económico y el turismo

La aprobación de The Kelsey refleja el compromiso de West Haven con la restauración de su costa como un centro vibrante de gastronomía, eventos y conexión comunitaria. Con este proyecto, la ciudad envía un mensaje contundente tanto a residentes como a inversionistas: West Haven está abierta para los negocios y preparada para el futuro.

Búsquedas como "nuevo restaurante en la costa de Savin Rock en West Haven" y "salones de banquetes cerca del Long Island Sound" están a punto de tener una respuesta definitiva. Y con el liderazgo de la alcaldesa Dorinda Borer y la visión de la Comisión, West Haven está posicionada para convertirse en uno de los destinos costeros más deseados de Connecticut.

BISTRO BUDDY apoya la historia

En BISTRO BUDDY, nuestra misión es conectar a las comunidades con lo mejor en comida, bebida y experiencias locales. Como la plataforma de eventos gastronómicos número uno en Connecticut, estamos entusiasmados de apoyar el impulso detrás de The Kelsey @ Savin Rock. Queremos ayudar a amplificar este logro para West Haven mediante cobertura promocional, campañas de gran apertura, integración de proveedores y apoyo a eventos.

También animamos a los operadores de food trucks y proveedores de eventos locales que buscan “cómo promocionar mi food truck en West Haven” o “plataformas para promocionar eventos locales en CT” a conectarse con nosotros. Creemos que este proyecto abre la puerta a más eventos en la costa, mercados de temporada y colaboraciones culinarias—y queremos asegurarnos de que la comunidad se mantenga involucrada en cada paso del camino.

Mirando hacia el futuro: Una costa construida para celebrar

Ya sea que seas un residente local en busca de los mejores restaurantes con vista al mar en Connecticut, una pareja que planea un banquete junto a la playa en West Haven, o un empresario en busca de oportunidades para desarrollar un restaurante en Connecticut 2025, The Kelsey ofrece algo para todos.

Con una ubicación impresionante, desarrolladores expertos y el apoyo total de la comunidad, The Kelsey @ Savin Rock es más que un edificio—es un destino que moldeará la identidad económica y cultural de West Haven durante muchos años.

Felicitaciones a la alcaldesa Dorinda Borer, a la Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación de West Haven y al equipo de RTR Hospitality. El próximo gran capítulo de West Haven está oficialmente en marcha—y BISTRO BUDDY se enorgullece de ayudar a contar la historia.