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Russo’s in Watertown is closing after more than 100 years
"It has been Tony's privilege to serve our many wholesale and retail customers for seven decades."
Russo’s, a beloved fresh produce and specialty grocery store in Watertown, is closing for good.
On Sunday, the shop announced on Facebook that owner Tony Russo was retiring after 70 years, and the business would be shuttering this fall.
“It has been Tony’s privilege to serve our many wholesale and retail customers for seven decades,” the post read. “Tony has treasured watching generations of families shopping together as they choose their first spring vegetable plants, or the first local apples of the season and as they shop for Christmas trees (with classical music playing in the background, of course).”
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In 2019, Russo’s celebrated 100 years of business, though it’s grown and changed over the decades. When Russo was 10, he helped out on his family’s farm in Watertown and sold produce at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, The Boston Globe reported. Russo took over the business in 2002, having watched it evolve from a farm to a wholesale distributor to a local market to the well-known shop he runs today.
“Every day at Russo’s — while surrounded by fresh produce — Tony is reminded of working alongside his grandparents on the farm and later, of working alongside his father and uncle at their wholesale warehouse,” the post read. “Their work ethic became his inspiration. Throughout the years, Tony has worked in all areas of the retail and wholesale business including trimming vegetables, driving trucks, loading and unloading trailers, putting up wholesale orders, sweeping the floor, buying produce and overseeing the most subtle details of the retail store.”
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Russo’s announced the news on Facebook around 5 p.m. Sunday, and five hours later there were over 2,000 reactions and almost 900 comments lamenting the community’s loss while commending Russo on his well-deserved retirement.
“Oh, it breaks my heart to read this,” one commenter wrote. “We’ve shopped at Russo’s 1-2 times per week since moving here 15 years ago. It is truly unparalleled and we will miss you dearly.”
“This is a massive loss for the surrounding community,” another wrote. “Thank you for everything you have done, the quality, the wonderful offerings, beautiful shop and incredible customer service. I will miss this shop!!”
As to what’s next, Russo’s didn’t share any news about the space, but fans and loyal customers still have some time to say goodbye.
“We cannot overstate Tony’s dedication to the world of fruits, vegetables and flowers,” the post read. “We also cannot overstate his dedication to Russo’s wonderful employees, customers, growers and suppliers. And we cannot thank Tony enough for what he has brought to so many people’s lives.”
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