The name Oliverio in Bridgeport is synonymous with food and good times. And the family has recently done some things to make sure nothing changes on that front.
According to family member Patrick Oliverio, a project started in 2021 and with a price tag at roughly $200,000 has helped make some of the businesses under the family name even more appealing.
Although in use for some time now, earlier this month contractors put the final touches on a newly renovated and expanded outdoor venue at the site of The “O" by Oliverio's, which also is home to The Social Tap. The outdoor venue will be utilized by both business components.
For those thinking the business located on Route 58 between the cities of Bridgeport and Anmoore has always had an outdoor venue, you are not wrong. However, it has changed significantly with the recent project.
“There was a little courtyard, and it was a solid venue,” said Patrick. “It held around 100 people, but that wasn’t enough for us. We wanted to become the premier outside venue in the area and that number wasn’t good enough. We needed more space to do outdoor weddings and other events.”
If getting more people was the only goal of the expanded outdoor venue, mission accomplished. Patrick said for a wedding it can easily hold 300 people and could go up to 350 people. For other events, including one already held that was a “micro wrestling” show for the The Social Tap, there were nearly 500 people in attendance.
Adding space was not the only goal. The project includes two large decks on each side of the property that helped to expand the seating capacity. A pavilion has been added that is ideal for the area where wedding vows can be exchanged, or musical groups can perform.
“That, essentially, is our main stage,” said Patrick.
One of the unique features that is to the left of the pavilion, or stage, is a wrap around bar. The bar can play host to between 35 and 40 people.
To top everything off, the outdoor venue now has its own outdoor restroom facilities.
“We’ve already held weddings here last year during construction,” Patrick said. “It was amazing to see the how good the companies were at working and then covering things up to make it look like there was no work being done. Essentially, the venue has been open for about a year, but we finally completed everything we wanted to do.”
While “The O” will host the formal events, The Social Tap will have performances outside. Patrick said if there’s a band and people are outside not dressed up, it’s likely a Social Tap function. Things like micro wrestling are also Social Tap events.
“A good way to tell if the outside area is a Social Tap event with a band is if you see a cover charge,” said Patrick. “The outside area has already seen a good bit of usage, but with the weather being a bit unbearable recently it has wound down a bit. If the weather is right, it’s the best venue around for ‘The O’ and for The (Social) Tap.”
The good news for those who have utilized the facility, going back to when it was Green Acres and even Via Veneto, is that there are still future plans. The plans, said Patrick, are only in the discussion phase now.
“There is some room for future expansion. My mom (Carla) has been throwing around the idea that the area where the Green Acres pool was filled in would be the ideal place for a couple of cottages,” said Patrick. “That would primarily be for weddings where the bridal party and the groom’s party could go and relax, maybe have a drink, before a wedding. But that is likely a few years down the road.”
While the future expansion is exciting, the present is not looking too bad either. Patrick said all involved are pleased with how the finished product look.
“Honestly, I don’t think the family could be any happier. Everyone was smiling and giddy when it was finally done,” he said.
Multiple family members, along with Patrick engaged in the project including Carla (owner of The “O”) and Pat Oliverio, Trey Oliverio (The Social Tap owner), Dante Bonamico, Phil Oliverio, Petrina Bonamico and Polly Oliverio Washburn and Shirley Oliverio (Patrick’s grandmother). Patrick said a host of other family members and key personnel also made it happen.
Patrick Oliverio also had words of praise for several contractors involved with the project. The groups included Bonamico Construction, Hefscapes, Cottrill’s Custom Services, and Extreme Repair, LLC (Bernard Gerrard).
Editor's Note: Top two photos show some of the finished features on the outside, while the bottom photo shows some of the trademark you can expect at events in the facility. The third photo shows Pat Oliverio, third from left, with sons, from left, Patrick, Trey, and Carlo. Photos courtesy of Patrick Oliverio.
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