To the Editor:
In the early 1980s my aunt, the late Cathy Zecchino Farrell, brought something new to the town of Damariscotta: the submarine sandwich. Sure, other shops in town offered sandwiches, but none could compare to the fine quality and tradition that came with a real submarine. Cathy opened Zecchino’s Submarine Sandwiches with 16 subs on the menu. Her hard work paid off and in no time business was booming.
After her tragic death, Cathy’s sister Patricia Zecchino Pierce took over the tradition and added several new recipes to the menu (including the now famous #17). Her hard work and dedication really helped the business take off. She kept the business open for more than seven years, until she had to make the tough decision to sell the shop.
More than a decade later, Corrinna Farrell Zaccedelli (daughter of Cathy) realized her dream of re-opening Zecchino’s in all its glory. She kept all the original subs and added a few of her own (including paninis and homemade soups). Her award winning talent was the talk of the town and thanks to her efforts the business was doing great, even in difficult economic times.
I have a lot of memories growing up at Zecchino’s and am deeply saddened to see this business go so abruptly. I am proud of the business that my family created and I truly admire the work that these three women have put into its success. I have faith that Zecchino’s will return again one day.
I wish the new sandwich place on Main Street a lot of luck, as I know firsthand the blood, sweat and tears that several generations of the Zecchino family has poured into their business to make it such a success. It was certainly no easy task. While the sandwich names and numbers may remain the same, please make no mistake; a lot more than just the name is changing.
Thanks to all of you who have supported Zecchino’s Submarine shop over the years. I appreciate it more than you can ever know.
Jenna Catherine Pierce, Phoenix, Ariz.