New Faces at the Helm in Romano's
By Bobbi Zane

New working partnership. Paula Hackman (l) and Stan Caputo (l), new owners of Romano's restaurant, with long-time chef Rafael Abarca, who has been cooking up pizza and pasta at the restaurant for 17 years, on their first day on the job, Sept. 21. Long-time Julian residents, the new owners say restaurant patrons will continue to see familiar faces in the dining room and kitchen under the new ownership. Photo by Bobbi Zane

When new owners take over a popular restaurant like Romano's Dodge House Ristorante, it's news. And it's a bit scary.

Guests at the Julian restaurant start wondering what's going to change and will they like the changes.

So far, new owners Stan Caputo and Paula Hackman, have given little cause for worry as far as diners are concerned; the couple assumed ownership of the restaurant in late September.

"We've kept most of the popular items on the menu and added a few," explained Caputo, who oversees the daily operation of the Italian restaurant.

The new owner, who recalls working at his family's Sicilian restaurant when he was 8 years old, said he kept the entire staff. Guests can expect to dine on meals prepared by the long-time kitchen staff, lead by Rafael Apodaca for the last 14 years and served by favorite waitresses.

"The staff is the mainstay of the restaurant," he said. "They keep our integrity, fix problems and care about the flavor and feel of Romano."

Meantime, small changes are creeping into the business. Caputo, who has managed restaurants previously, has added new entrees to the menu - specials such as steak Sicilian and pasta with Italian sausage.

Some of the menu prices, including wine, have gone down a bit also. "I feel like the town is responding. Customers say they've noticed that the food has gotten better," he said.

Caputo values the feel of a restaurant that caters to its community and likes the idea of making Romano's first and foremost a local gathering place. He's set aside Wednesday nights as family night and offers discounts on some menu items. And he's hired pianist Mark Kinney to play in the bar after dinner on weekend nights.

Caputo's wife, Paula, greets guests on the weekends.

Romano's, 2718 B St., is open daily except Tuesdays for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call 760-765-1003.