A.L. Coluccio Coming To 3rd Avenue – Bay Ridge Italian specialty store a first for Louis Coluccio of D. Coluccio and Sons

Salumerias were once as ubiquitous to Southern Brooklyn as double parked cars. But over the years, tastes changed, new groups moved in, and the younger generation increasingly bought their cold cuts from a supermarket instead of the old fashioned pork store.

Remember that scene from Pope of Greenwich Village where Eric Roberts’ character visits three different specialty stores to buy fixings for a hero sandwich? Yeah, not really happening anymore. When was the last time you even heard of someone under 40 making a special trip to a formaggeria for cheese?

However, in this “what’s old is new again” age of cooking that puts such a heavy emphasis on buzz words like local, artisanal, traditional, authentic, and slow food, it can be comforting to hear when a student of the old pros brings family traditions – as well as some new concepts – to the table.

According to Brooklyn Daily’s Sarah Zorn, combining new innovations with old favorites seem to be the idea behind A.L. Coluccio. This “first-time solo venture” is by Louis Coluccio of Bensonhurst’s famed D. Coluccio and Sons Importers – who will attempt to meld the traditional Italian-American salumeria and grocery store with a modern cafe on Bay Ridge’s 3rd Avenue this August.

From Brooklyn Daily:

“My grandfather and father opened D. Coluccio and Sons 50 years ago this fall,” he said. “I became inspired by their courage and entrepreneurial spirit, and wanted to experience the same joy and excitement they felt.”

Bay Ridge residents will have plenty to celebrate as well — Coluccio plans to keep the same signature products and commitment to quality his family store is known for, as well as bolster appeal to a new generation with a few contemporary twists.

That means the ability to sip cappuccinos and espressos in a small café up front — or take out a variety of prepared foods from chef Michael Kogan, of the nearby Owl’s Head wine bar.

“We’ve been going over a menu of Italian American favorites that I love and grew up with, which Michael will put a great modern spin on,” Coluccio told Brooklyn Daily. “Everything will be seasonal and clean and simple, from our roasted chicken to our salads and sides to an amazing porchetta sandwich.”

A.L. Coluccio is set to open at 8613 3rd Ave, between 86th Street and 87th Street, this August.