Local restauranteur brings The Whistle Stop to Union Station

June 8, 2017 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Seen at the announcement of the new tenant for Union Sation is (left to right) Springfield Redevelopment Authority board member Dot Lortie, Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, Mayor Domenic Sarno and Whistlestop owner Carlo Bonavita. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs



SPRINGFIELD – The final tenant for Union Station’s concourse was announced on May 31 as veteran restaurateur Carlo Bonavita announced he would bring an Italian eatery to the renovated train station.

Bonavita said his new restaurant, The Whistle Stop, will offer largely Italian fare such as pizza, calzones and strombolis that can either be taken out or eaten there. He also will have a beer and wine license and will sell local craft beer and wines.

“I think it’s a good fit,” he said. “It’s not just fast food, it’s good food.”

Bonavita, who is in the wine business, had operated The Tavern restaurant in several locations in Springfield.

Looking around the station, Bonavita called Union station “first class.”

He told Reminder Publications he anticipates opening the new restaurant in three months and would hire at least five employees. The hours would yet to be set.

His restaurant joins a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Subway and a convenience store as the retail component to the main concourse.

"We are excited that Mr. Bonavita has chosen Union Station as the location for this unique concept,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “It is a first-class restoration of our station that has been completed, and we’re thrilled to welcome a first-class restaurant operator to serve the passengers and public in our main hall.”

Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy noted the expectation is that 15,000 people will go through Union Station daily. Kennedy noted there is still  space for another restaurant on the first floor adjacent to Dwight Street, just not one that faces the concourse.

Union Station’s grand opening weekend begins June 24 and continues on June 25 with a public open house from noon to 2 p.m. The Springfield Redevelopment Authority is still seeking tenants. Interested parties should contact the SRA for further information at 787-6020.

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