Little Italy Scores Italian Specialty Market, More Local Stores Planned

A well-placed source kindly sent in a tip that Roma Market, which was established in Pasadena in 1953, has its sights set on San Diego expansion.

Their new Escondido store, which they launched in late November, is scheduled to grand open this Sunday, February 8; co-owner Alfredo Dinunzio, Jr. tells Eater that they'll soon start construction on a 9,000-square-foot market that will span the first floor of a glass-fronted office building at 555 W. Beech Street and Columbia in Little Italy.

The Little Italy market won't likely open until next year, but when it does, this branch will feature Italian specialty foods plus a full fish, meat and produce market, a bakery, pizza oven and prepared food. There will be a large outdoor patio, a kitchen making breakfast to order and beer, wine and spirits retail.

DiNunzio says that Roma Markets is aiming to put four to five stores in the San Diego area; once the Little Italy market is complete, the company will explore sites in North and East County.