There aren't many places to get breakfast in Durham, so when Durham's Kitchen closed over the summer the restaurant's cook jumped at the chance to open his own place.
Middletown resident Sal Salafia plans to open Santino's, an American style, family friendly restaurant at 325 Main Street this week.
"I've always sort of had a passion for cooking," Salafia said. "My mom came from Sicily, so it's something I just picked up from her."
Santino's will offer daily breakfast and lunch specials from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A self-professed fan of the Food Network, Salafia said he plans to keep the menu fresh, including items like waffles with cinnamon apples, fruit drinks and hand cut french fries.
He's also looking forward to welcoming the regulars back through the doors.
"I'm just excited to be a part of this community," he said.
