Vona’s Over the Years
Murphy Occhino Jr. is part of the third generation that’s taking over Vona’s Restaurant in Oswego. He previously worked in the movie industry in New York City. He worked with some of Hollywood’s most well-known directors, producers and actors including Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.
last few years, he was a first assistant director on the highly-acclaimed HBO Max original series, “The Gilded Age,” produced by Downton Abbey producer Julian Fellowes. "I've been very fortunate to have worked with some of the most talented people in both movies and television," Occhino said. "It's been a very rewarding career with many great experiences and stories to tell. The opportunity to return to Oswego and manage the family restaurant that my grandparents began was a chance to get back to my roots and continue our family's legacy." And that legacy most assuredly will include his grandmother's famous "Vona's Red Sauce." Now, the recipe for success is in the hands of the next generation of the Vona family. And while they don't plan to make many major changes, Murphy does envision taking Vona's into the future. "There have been so many notable improvements to the city of Oswego in recent years,” Occhino noted. “The chance for us to grow and contribute to all of its recent success stories will be our main goal. While we will always lean into our nostalgic past, our aim is to give the restaurant a more modern feel. It's an honor to be able to run an 80-year-old successful restaurant. There are so few of these historic establishments left in the country. When I think
of all the celebrations Vona's played a part in over the years — birthdays, graduations, first dates, wedding proposals, retirement parties, and more, it evokes a lot of warm feelings and a strong desire to continue to serve our customers and the community." Though Tom and Mary are long gone from running the establishment, the family Vona continues to carry on the tradition of serving the finest food in Central New York where Mary's authentic recipes continue to satisfy. It is these dishes that keep people coming back and has made Vona's a culinary landmark for homemade Italian fare in Oswego and beyond. “As exciting as my previous career has been, I'm looking forward to continuing the legacy my family has created in Oswego," Occhino, the younger, said. "We're proud to carry on the family tradition and uphold what my grandparents always wanted Vona's to be — 'A Nice Place to Visit.'”
Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli have co-authored two books – “Striking Silver: The Untold Story of America’s Forgotten Hockey Team” and “BOYCOTT: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.” Also, they currently write a monthly column for USA HOCKEY Magazine – “In the Corners.”
TOP: Vona’s Restaurant owner Tom Vona (circa 1940s). MIDDLE: Vona’s Restaurant owner Mary Vona in the kitchen making her famous red sauce. BOTTOM: Vona’s Restaurant original bar where you can still get a drink today while you wait for dinner.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2023 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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