When owner Harold Xeconimos took over Sorrento of Arbutus during 2020 and the lockdown period, he knew he wanted to elevate the menu yet keep all of its neighborhood glory and charm with the pizza and cheesesteak subs that always delivered. On his first visit to Arbutus on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour, Nestor gets the tale of another Dundalk native coming from Loafers on Route 40 and continuing the great tradition of the food and hospitality in Southwest Baltimore.
Nestor Aparicio interviews Harold Xeconimos, the new owner of Sorrento’s in Arbutus, about his journey from Loafers in Ellicott City. Harold discusses the challenges of buying the restaurant during the pandemic and his efforts to elevate the menu, including adding pastas, seafood, and a signature crab cake. He highlights the importance of community and family, mentioning his long-term relationship with the previous owner. Harold also talks about the success of their crab cake, which has become a signature item, and their plans to expand and partner with local organizations. Nestor, a regular customer, praises the quality of the food and the hospitality.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Interview Bill Cole at Sorrento’s about his eating habits and his experience with the restaurant during the upcoming show segment.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Order and eat a shrimp cheesesteak at Sorrento’s during the current visit.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – If Sorrento’s becomes a sponsor, promote the restaurant on future episodes of the show.
- [ ] Send a couple of crab cakes to Jim Schwartz to welcome him back to Sorrento’s.
Nestor Aparicio’s Introduction and Background
- Nestor Aparicio introduces himself and the show, mentioning their location in Arbutus, Baltimore.
- Nestor reminisces about Jim Schwartz, a world champion from Arbutus, and his memories of eating Little League pizza at Sorrento’s.
- Nestor mentions Harold’s ownership of Sorrento’s, noting that Harold moved from Loafers in Ellicott City.
- Nestor shares his personal connection to Harold, having known him for 15 years and being familiar with his name on the restaurant.
Harold’s Background and Connection to Arbutus
- Nestor and Harold discuss their Greek heritage, with Harold identifying as a Highlandtown resident.
- Nestor shares his experiences at the Greek Festival and his long-standing relationships with Greek people and businesses.
- Harold explains his connection to Arbutus, mentioning his long-term friendship with the previous owner of Sorrento’s.
- Harold recounts how the previous owner’s wife reached out to him about potential employment, leading to the opportunity to buy Sorrento’s.
Challenges and Changes in Ownership
- Harold discusses the challenges of buying Sorrento’s during the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes in the restaurant industry.
- Nestor and Harold talk about the transition from a traditional sub and pizza shop to a more elevated menu, including Italian and Greek dishes.
- Harold shares his vision for Sorrento’s, focusing on family-friendly dining and community engagement.
- Harold mentions their partnerships with local organizations like the CFG Arena and UMBC to expand their reach.
Menu Expansion and Signature Dishes
- Harold explains the addition of new items to the menu, such as pastas, seafood platters, and center-plate items.
- Nestor and Harold discuss the popularity of their crab cakes, with Harold crediting his long-time chef for the successful recipe.
- Harold highlights the importance of maintaining traditional items like pizza and cheese steaks while introducing new dishes.
- Nestor praises the quality and variety of the menu, noting the restaurant’s ability to attract a diverse clientele.
Community and Legacy
- Harold expresses his pride in continuing the legacy of Sorrento’s, which has been a community staple for over 60 years.
- Nestor and Harold discuss the importance of local ownership and the impact of independent businesses on the community.
- Harold shares his commitment to providing quality food and excellent service to maintain customer loyalty.
- Nestor mentions his own experiences with local businesses and the significance of community-driven establishments.
Personal Connections and Future Plans
- Nestor and Harold discuss their personal connections to the community, including Nestor’s long-standing relationship with his sponsor, John Martin.
- Harold talks about the importance of connecting with the neighborhood and giving back to the community.
- Nestor shares his excitement about the growth and development of local businesses on the West Side of the county.
- Harold expresses his hope to continue the legacy of Sorrento’s and contribute to the community’s success.
Final Thoughts and Future Visits
- Nestor and Harold discuss future visits and potential collaborations, with Nestor planning to try new menu items like the shrimp cheesesteak.
- Nestor shares his positive experiences at Sorrento’s, including interactions with fans and the quality of the food.
- Harold mentions the importance of customer feedback and continuous improvement to enhance the dining experience.
- Nestor concludes the segment by expressing his appreciation for the hospitality and quality of the restaurant, and plans to return with more guests.
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