SCHENECTADY – A culinary revolution is about to hit Nott Terrace in Schenectady with the grand opening of MAC & RONI next month. This innovative fast-casual restaurant is set to redefine the dining experience by offering a unique build-your-own pasta dish concept, akin to the Chipotle model, but with a delightful Italian twist.
“We’re not just changing the game, we’re reinventing it. Our concept of customizable pasta dishes, salads, and wraps allows customers to tailor each item to their unique palate, offering a diverse menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. Our focus is on providing express service designed for those with a fast-paced lifestyle,” said owner Chris Marotta.
Marotta, a seasoned restaurateur since 2005, is no stranger to the food industry, having previously owned Marotta’s Pizza and Catering in Schenectady.
The inception of MAC & RONI has been a long time in the making. Marotta had the concept in mind before the pandemic and began collaborating with Chris and Dave Malizia of Malizia Development, the property owners. The Malizias demolished the previous building at 183 Nott Terrace, which had been vacant for years and was once home to a Pizza Hut and Castelo’s.
The newly constructed 3,000-square-foot building is a sight to behold, featuring wooden beams and a stunning wall of windows. It also boasts a cozy patio area at the front.
While the pandemic caused a delay in the project due to skyrocketing construction costs, it also inadvertently boosted the popularity of fast-casual dining, according to Marotta.
“My culinary journey has always been rooted in Italian cuisine, but the pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of traditional sit-down, full-service restaurants. I believe this modern, fast-casual kitchen-style service is here to stay for the foreseeable future,” Marotta said.
The build-your-own style menu extends beyond just pasta, offering a variety of grains.
“We’re not just about pasta. We offer a plethora of healthy options and a wide selection of proteins, including grilled chicken, chicken cutlet, steak, salmon, shrimp, meatball sausage, all prepared in a homemade style. We offer a myriad of unique choices,” Marotta added.
Once fully operational, the restaurant will employ around 15 to 20 staff members. Marotta is aiming to open the doors of MAC & RONI in the second or third week of May.
“We’re beyond excited. It’s been a long journey, but a lot of careful thought and planning has gone into ensuring the smooth operation and functionality of the restaurant,” Marotta said.
MAC & RONI will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For updates and more information, follow MAC & RONI on Facebook.
Disagree with the launch location.
Disagree with the launch location.
Disagree with the launch location, preferred a different area for MAC & RONI Restaurant.