Surprise: Citarella Opened at about Noon on Tuesday

Go check out Citarella at 600 West Putnam ave. The store quietly opened its doors on Tuesday at about noon. On Wednesday they plan another employment open house from 10:00am til 6:00pm.

All around the neighboring streets cars did U-turns after noticing the giant “OPEN” sign in the window.

Owner Joe Gurrera could be seen scampering from one section of the store to the next, greeting customers and overseeing newly trained store staff. Everyone was smiling and helpful. Despite the steady rain and unpublicized first day of business, a stream of customers found their way inside the store.

Citarella opened at about noon on Tuesday June 2 at 600 West Putnam Ave in Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager

Though the parking lot is a far cry from the treacherous Whole Foods lot in central Greenwich, one possible drawback of the Citarella lot is the single one-way lane out front that takes cars back out to West Putnam Ave. A driver stopped in the lane to wish Mr. Gurrera well and cars backed up quickly.

Despite the rain, the store had an auspicious start. One worker, who whispered Whole Foods better watch out, adding that Citarella would stay open until 10:00pm. Indeed the store is immaculate and benefits from extra-wide aisles and, in addition to a vast seafood station and butcher counter, there is a pizza oven, sushi bar and gourmet coffee bar.

Citarella opened at about noon on Tuesday June 2 at 600 West Putnam Ave in Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager

At the front of the store, a manager explained to customers the flow from a queue to the front registers and over to the exit. He said he expected the liquor store to open in a couple weeks.

They don’t call it The Ultimate Gourmet Market for nothing. From organic produce to freshly prepared foods, including free samples of mouth watering chicken pesto being offered on Tuesday, everything is displayed beautifully. Check out Greenwich’s newest upscale market.

Citarella is located at 600 West Putnam Ave, just before the new CVS building that is also home to Zaniac.