Sodexho USA recently unveiled Piccolo Bistro, a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant concept designed to be built on the grounds of independent senior living communities and developed especially to be easily accessible to residents as well as the community at large. The company says it expects to open in three to five Sodexho-operated independent living facilities in the coming year.
The menu will feature traditional Italian cuisine as well as specialty coffees, including authentic espresso, and a full line of homemade sweets, from classic pastries to biscotti and chocolates. Enree selections will include a variety of hearty and rustic sandwiches on panini bread, homemade soups and Piccolo Bistro's signature line of salads.
"Our goal was to capture the essence of Italy in a sunny Mediterranean street-side cafe and to bring that experience to the residents at our facilities," says Mario DeLuca, senior director of dining and culinary services for Sodexho Senior Services Division.
"For many seniors, especially those who are living by themselves, eating out is an excellent source of social interaction as well as an enjoyable escape from their daily dining routine," adds Senior Services Division Vice President Pat Connolly. "Our goal for this restaurant concept is to change the way seniors feel about dining in their resident community."