Porto Fino Owner: Business Better Than Expected So Far

With a well-established customer base after 14 years in Levittown, co-owner John Vigliotti was a little nervous about starting over in Huntington — but so far it seems the transition has been a positive one.

Taking over the former Ashbourne Furniture location in January, local businesses were hired to do the renovation work for the new downtown restaurant location at the corner of New York Avenue and West Carver Street. 

“We’re strong believers that small businesses have to help each other,” Vigilotti said.

The restaurant offers traditional Italian recipes, gourmet pizzas, catering and a variety of wines.

5 Questions for Port Vino:

How did you find this storefront?

“We were just driving by and saw the space,” said Vigliotti. “We started looking at the neighborhood and thought it would be a nice change.”

Do you have any connection to the Porto Fino in Northport?

“One’s enough,” Vigliotti laughed. “It’s better to focus on one.”

Has the economy affected business?

“It’s been really good,” said Vigliotti. “It’s busier than we expected.”

How have the people in Huntington reacted to you guys?

“We’re already starting to get that feeling again,” Vigliotti said. “Everyone’s extremely friendly, a bunch of local businesses have already stopped in to introduce themselves.” 

Do you think the downtown parades on Main Street end up helping or hurting your business?

“The St. Patrick’s parade, pride parade, Memorial Day parade have all been helpful,” said Vigliotti.