MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Despite all the odds, a Meriden business is continuing its tradition of serving an Easter staple, smoked kielbasa, in a new way.
Filipek’s in Meriden is known for offering customers this Polish delicacy every Easter. However, a fire broke out in September, destroying the more than 100-year-old store and destroying the building.
“Even though we were unable to rebuild in time due to the fire, we were able to complete our Easter kielbasa again this year with the help of so many friends and family,” co-owner Cindy Keneally said. of Philippex.
Currently, workers are completing their work by preparing food from kitchen trucks.
“We were very fortunate to be able to borrow this truck from a friend, and equally fortunate to be able to build our product at Reno’s Market in Durham.
Local residents say smoking kielbasa is a family tradition and something they look forward to every year.
“My family has been here every Good Friday since the ’60s,” said East Haven resident Joshua Lewkowicz-Forte.
“I’ve been here for at least 15 to 20 years,” said Meriden resident Charlie DiNuzzo.
The truck, located on Elm Street, has been operating for the past two weeks in preparation for the holidays.Owners say it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday.
After Easter, the owners said they have big plans to rebuild and reopen. Keneally said he thinks it will be back up and running within a few months.
“It’s amazing that they were able to come together to keep this going. I know this is a tradition for a lot of families to come here,” Lewkowicz-Forte said.
The families who support the business said they are grateful for the support.
“We’re so grateful to our community. They say they’ll come back no matter what, and we’re so grateful that they’re coming back,” Nadine Standish said. Told.