Food and drink news: Bella Regina is moving, liquor stores open in Utica and Rome

Changes are coming to the Utica area, most notably Bella Regina is taking its 1950s feel and famous chicken riggies to a different location. The area also has gained two more liquor stores and ice cream spots.

Here's a list of recent business news in the Mohawk Valley. Have a food tip? Email reporter Maria M. Silva at mariamsilva@gannett.com if you know of any restaurant or food businesses opening, closing or moving. 

Bella Regina moving after 9 years in downtown Utica

It's been almost a decade since Bella Regina moved to Genesee Street from North Utica, and recently the restaurant announced it's moving to a different location.

Owner Regina Piacentino said it is unclear where the restaurant will relocate, but will have more details in the upcoming weeks. Bella Regina will close June 20 through July 5, according to another Facebook announcement.

The restaurant, which serves Italian fare and is well-known for its chicken riggies and greens, still has one year left on the lease, but decided to make the move now, Piacentino said.

Bella Regina is planning to downsize and it is selling some of its famous vintage decor, furniture and other equipment. Those who might be interested in purchasing those items can reach out to the restaurant at 315-732-2426 or go to the 239 Genesee St. location.

Blue Truck Wine & Liquor celebrates grand-opening

While Blue Truck Wine & Liquor has been operating since October 2021, the owners celebrated the grand-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Tuesday.

The store is located in the Chanatry's Plaza at 485 French Road, the previous home of Village Liquors. A family tandem of four operates the store: Fred Deck and his wife, Kathleen Deck, as well as his sister-in-law Kelly Deck and her husband Don Deck Jr.

Previously a nursing home administrator for 20 years, Fred Deck said opening a liquor store always was on his mind as his plan to transition into retirement. Deck said opening the liquor store was easier than normal as he took over the previous Village Liquors location.

Blue Truck Wine & Liquor has a big variety of liquors, including 33 bourbons, more than 15 vodka offerings and wines from New York state, the Napa Valley and from other countries like South Africa, Spain and Italy. Deck said the liquor store routinely hosts tastings for customers looking to try something new.

The Decks, who originally are from South Utica and have childhood memories of the Chanatry's Plaza, want to give back to the community and build a small family business.

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"We want that store to be a go-to spot for people to buy treats for their friends or buy treats for themselves," Deck said. "We want to grow our business, we want to be a contributor and be part of the community."

Blue Truck Wine & Liquor is named after Fred Deck's and his daughter's project of remodeling their 1964 Chevy C-10 Short Bed truck.

Kookie's Q and Creamery opens Utica Zoo location

Kookie's Q and Creamery recently added a new location in Marcy at 9411 Maynard Drive in Palm Springs Mini Golf Course and another one at the Utica Zoo called Polly's by Kookie's.

The ice cream shop, which also offers burgers, hot dogs and appetizers, first opened in the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium during the 2015-16 hockey season and expanded to North Utica in the former Nicky Doodles building at 51 N. Genesee St. in April 2021.

In Marcy, Kookie's Q ice cream machines started the summer season May 26 and it is open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. until Labor Day. 

The Utica Zoo location opened its doors May 28 and will operate from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. also until Labor Day.

Liquor Express now open in Rome

The owners of the convenience store Bill's Variety have added another business under their name: Liquor Express celebrated its grand-opening at 506 W. Thomas St. in Rome on June 3.

The new liquor store is run by 23-year-old Ian Perfetti, who said when the building became empty during the pandemic, his family took the opportunity to bring a liquor store to the location after more than 10 years.

"Working for myself was the motivation," he said, adding the community knows his family through the convenience store and wanted to bring it back to "what it used to be."

Perfetti said the biggest challenge during Liquor Express' first days in business has been getting the word out to people, but is positive the liquor store will grow.

Maria M. Silva covers food, drink and culture in the Mohawk Valley for the Observer-Dispatch. Email her at mariamsilva@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter.