A new food experience on Seneca Road in Hornell NY
Breaking: Racalto’s offer to feed victims of recent flooding
By: Johanna Elattar
On busy Hornell’s Seneca Road, Racalto’s Restaurant has quickly become a beloved establishment since its grand opening on May 24th, 2024. Founded by Joe Racalto and his husband Jay Huang, the restaurant embodies a deep commitment to both exceptional cuisine and community service.
From the outset, Joe and Jay envisioned Racalto’s Restaurant as more than just a place to dine. Speaking about their venture, Joe emphasized, “Our dedication to the community and each of our patrons is unwavering.” This commitment is not just rhetoric; it’s woven into the fabric of their business practices. The restaurant offers a permanent 10% discount to first responders, teachers, and military personnel as a gesture of gratitude for their selfless service. Moreover, their mission includes expanding support to local animal shelters and community charities as they continue to grow. “We understand the importance of giving back,” Joe said, “and we want to ensure that we are contributing to the well-being of our community.”
During the recent August 9 flooding event, Racalto’s issued this statement:
To the Hornell and the Canisteo Valley communities. If you or your family are affected by the storm and are unable to cook, please direct message me, and my cooks at Racalto‘s will provide you with a free meal. No one should ever go hungry.
—Joe and Jay Huang-Racalto
Racalto’s Restaurant prides itself on serving comfort foods made fresh to order. Whether it’s the perfectly tender prime rib or the creamy mac and cheese, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. I was surprised to learn that even the mac and cheese was made to order, and it was delicious. Joe generously invited me to tour their kitchen and walk-in freezer, both of which were impeccably maintained with a commitment to using only fresh ingredients. A smoker out back ensures that their barbecue offerings are as fresh and flavorful as possible. Even the burgers are never frozen, always fresh, and made to order. The absence of microwaves in the kitchen speaks volumes about their dedication to quality.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Racalto’s Restaurant caters to a diverse palate with specials like Pasta Night on Mondays and Wing Night on Tuesdays. The restaurant is also open for Sunday Brunch between 11:00-3:00. Each meal is prepared without the use of microwaves, underscoring their dedication to freshness and quality. The restaurant averages about 50 lunches and 100 dinners a day, with 11 cooks working tirelessly to ensure every dish meets their high standards. They smoke about three hundred pounds of meat every week, a testament to the popularity of their barbecue dishes. The batter for their renowned fish fry is made in-house, adding to the authenticity and flavor of their offerings.
The restaurant’s integration into the Hornell community has been met with warmth and enthusiasm. Local suppliers like Stern’s Chicken and Fitzpatrick’s provide ingredients, ensuring that each meal supports local businesses. They get all their cakes from Sprinkle This Cakery on Park Drive in Hornell, maintaining a local touch in every aspect of their offerings. In a testament to their inclusive ethos, Racalto now offers halal meat options to accommodate Muslim patrons, reflecting Joe and Jay’s belief in understanding and humanizing people from all walks of life.
Beyond serving exceptional food, Racalto’s Restaurant serves as a hub for charitable endeavors. They regularly donate their banquet room for local charity events and contribute $500 monthly to different causes such as breast cancer research. Their upcoming plans include establishing an outdoor seating area to enhance the dining experience and further integrate into the community. Joe and Jay are committed to ensuring that their restaurant is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
The restaurant’s décor reflects Joe and Jay’s personal backgrounds, with Chinese characters adorning the restaurant. Jay, of Chinese-American heritage, has incorporated elements of his culture into the restaurant, with characters that spell both his and Joe’s last names. This fusion of cultures creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere. This blend of cultural influences enriches the dining experience, adding a personal touch to every visit.
Racalto’s Restaurant is not just about great food; it’s about creating a sense of community. Joe and Jay believe that good and affordable food brings people together. They have started an incentive program for their team, offering a $100 bonus for new employees, which has helped them build a dedicated and motivated staff. Their vision extends beyond the restaurant itself, as they aim to support local agencies that help animals and various community charities.
As they continue to innovate and expand, Joe and Jay remain dedicated to their founding principles of community, quality, and service. With four seasonal menus that reflect the flavors of each time of year and ongoing initiatives to support local causes, Racalto’s Restaurant is poised to remain a cherished institution in Hornell for years to come. Each season brings new flavors and dishes, ensuring that patrons always have something fresh and exciting to look forward to.
I was so impressed with the food and atmosphere that I returned that very same night for dinner with a friend. The experience was just as delightful as my earlier visit. Joe greets every individual customer personally before seating them, adding a warm and personal touch to the dining experience.
Racalto’s Restaurant stands not only as a testament to culinary excellence but also as a beacon of community spirit and generosity. Joe Racalto and Jay Huang’s vision has not only created a dining destination but also a place where neighbors come together to enjoy good food and support worthy causes. Their unwavering dedication to their patrons and their community sets Racalto’s Restaurant apart as a truly special place.
