Argento’s Bakery & Deli opens in downtown Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Joe and Diane Argento opened Argento’s Bakery & Deli today at 117 North Liberty St. in Albion.

The couple expected to have a soft opening and news spread once they put the open sign out at 10 a.m.

“Our goal was to get our feet wet before the big grand opening, but word has definitely gotten out,” they posted on the Argento’s Facebook page. “We are beyond thankful for all the love and support everyone has shown us.”

Mr. Argento ran the Argento’s Kitchen diner in Elba for three years in the late 1990s. He then worked 17 years at Batavia Downs as a bartender, then as customers relations manager, and the final two years as the Homestretch Grill at the Downs. He retired on Aug. 30.

His wife also worked at Homestretch. They live about a mile from their business, the former location of Pretty Sweet Bakery.

The Argentos both retired from Batavia Downs, but didn’t want to end their work lives.

“We’re too young to retire,” Mr. Argento said.

He enjoys chatting with the customers and working alongside his wife.

The new deli and bakery is located at 117 North Liberty St., behind Five Star Bank and across from Arnold’s Auto Parts.

Joe Argento prepares the sandwiches and deli items while Diane “Di” makes the baked goods.

The couple may experiment with the hours. Right now it’s 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with Argento’s closed on Sunday and Monday.

The deli includes a soup of the day (today it was Italian wedding soup), a variety of subs, salads, and “sangweeches” which are large Italian style sandwiches.

The bakery includes cookies, pies, cheese cake, cupcakes, muffins, cannoli, cakesicles, cupcakes and rice pudding.

The Argentos said they are pleased to be in the historic downtown in a welcoming community.

“It’s a nice town,” Di Argento said. “Everybody is friendly.”

Customers can all ahead and order at 585-590-4924. Check the Argento’s Facebook page for more information.