In a time when many restaurants have faced closures, Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails in Massapequa Park proudly celebrates its resilience with a milestone marking ten years in operation. This family-owned business has thrived despite various challenges, including the pandemic and economic hurdles.
The Bivona family, consisting of brothers Matt and Brian, along with sister-in-law Keleigh, reflects on the journey that has brought them to this point. Their anniversary celebration included special menus, unique events, and heartfelt tributes to the loyal customers who have supported them throughout the years. “It’s wild to think it’s been 10 years already,” said Matt. “We’ve been through a lot—but we’ve always kept our heads down and focused on making people happy with great food and good service.”
Since acquiring Mercato in 2015, the Bivona family has cultivated a community-centered dining experience. The name "Mercato," which means "market" in Italian, signifies their dedication to fresh, local ingredients and the spirit of togetherness and connection within the community.
A family affair, the restaurant was a dream for the Bivona brothers, merging Brian’s front-of-house expertise with Matt’s culinary skills. Their approach to leadership nurtures growth among staff members, transforming roles and building loyalty within their team. This nurturing philosophy extends to their patrons, many of whom have become regulars and have established a sense of ownership over their favorite spots in the restaurant.
Mercato’s success can be attributed to its blend of consistency and culinary innovation. While traditional favorites like Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka remain on the menu, the team continuously seeks to create new seasonal specials that resonate with customers. Matt’s commitment to approachable yet exciting food has been a vital component in crafting an inviting atmosphere where diners feel at home.
The dining experience at Mercato goes beyond just good food. Events such as Trivia Wednesdays and themed nights keep the calendar full, inviting customers to partake in community-building activities. “It’s about giving people a reason to come out and have fun,” Matt explained. The renovations to their private dining space, paired with the introduction of creative catering services, further enhance the Mercato experience.
To commemorate a decade of service, the team held a "10 Year Evolution Dinner," showcasing the restaurant’s culinary journey with a multi-course meal that highlighted guest favorites over the years, paired with stories and live music. Matt expressed gratitude to the community for its unwavering support: "We’ve grown, changed, and learned a lot, but the heart of Mercato has always been the same—good food, good people, and the feeling of being part of something."
Looking to the future, the Bivona family aims to remain rooted in the community while innovating and evolving their offerings. As they reflect on their past, they are excited about potential projects, such as establishing a small chef’s garden for local sourcing, all while maintaining their core mission: to create exceptional food and treat every guest like family.
Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails is located at 4958 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park. For more information, visit Mercato Kitchen.