Racalto's opening at former Club 57 in Hornell. How it will focus on barbecue, innovation

A popular Hornell area spot for food and drinks is poised to reopen under new management and with a community-oriented vision.

Racalto's restaurant will begin welcoming customers for dinner starting May 23 at 7465 Seneca Road, the former location of Club 57 and the short-lived Balloons East, which closed abruptly last August.

The restaurant team was busy this week putting the finishing touches on the building's interior, stocking the food and drink inventory, checking supply orders and waiting for a new sign to be delivered ahead of next week's grand opening.

"It's all hands on deck," confirmed Joe Huang-Racalto, a 1989 Hornell High School graduate and owner of the new restaurant. “While the building is in good shape, everything is relatively new. We wanted to do our thing in here as well.”

Following the grand opening, Racalto's will be open for dinners only while the kitchen gets fully staffed. Starting June 2, the restaurant will begin serving lunch and dinner daily, along with a barbecue brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sundays.

The Racalto's Facebook page will post the latest updates on hours, food specials and other events.

“What we are aiming for is a barbecue focus with a touch of innovation,” said Jay Huang-Racalto.

A 'community focus' at new Racalto's restaurant

In addition to opening a new restaurant, Joe, a former Congressional aide, and Jay, a D.C. policeman and U.S. Army Reserve major, will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary over the Memorial Day weekend.

Racalto's new look includes wall plaques representing U.S. military branches, continuing a theme of honoring those on the front lines.

Community service will be part of the restaurant's DNA, including a 10% discount on all entrees for first responders, law enforcement personnel, military service members and educators. The discount funds will be reinvested in local non-profits and charities, with customer involvement a priority.

"We have always wanted to give back to people who serve," Joe Huang-Racalto said. “As a military-law enforcement family, we wanted to have our restaurant be in that kind of light."

Racalto's will start with a staff of 17, including general manager and barbecue pit master Mark Shardlow, executive chef Rich Wilson and bar manager Dave Prete.

When fully staffed, Racalto's is expected to employ 25 to 30 people. Look for photo profiles of staffers on the restaurant's walls in the coming days, a reflection of the value the restaurant places on its employees, Joe Huang-Racalto said

What to know about the menu at Racalto's

The menu will "start small and evolve," Joe Huang-Racalto said. Whether it is chicken, steak or brisket, expect changing dish options that reflect customer demand and the ideas of staff while remaining affordable.

“It’s about gaining exposure and gaining some credibility within the community and nurturing what they want," Shardlow said.

Shardlow will team with his Barbecue Bandits mate, wife Nadine, and he is looking forward to the Sunday barbecue brunch.

“It will be fun. I think it will be a different twist for the area," he said.

Racalto's receives warm welcome from Hornell area

Racalto's is heartened by the buzz around town and the positive response to the venture.

“The restaurant owners in the city have been great to us," Joe Huang-Racalto said. "They have been mentors and have welcomed us. And we like that camaraderie."

Joe and Jay have been going back and forth from Washington to Hornell as the restaurant has come together. They own a home in Arkport, and they will have a daily presence here in the Canisteo Valley.

"We have always wanted to open a community-focused restaurant where we have good food, great prices and we are able to give back to the community," Joe Huang-Racalto said.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Racalto's restaurant opening May 23 in Hornell with community focus