Kozmo’s Hometown Eatery open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. because of roadwork, but is looking forward to resuming regular hours, Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. To learn more, visit Kozmo’s Hometown Eatery on Facebook, or drop by their 24 North Broad Street location during business hours. (Submitted photos)

by Sophia Root

NORWICH – This week, Commerce Chenango would like to highlight Kozmo’s Hometown Eatery, a new family run business in the heart of Norwich.

Located on North Broad Street in the building where Garf’s was, Kozmo’s has been serving delicious meals since its opening in March of this year. Owner Savannah Collins described her restaurant as: “if a diner and a deli had a baby.”

Collins and her co-owner Kris Maiurano are known for many things, such as their creative and ever-changing list of daily specials and being the only restaurant in town to vend everything Bagelry’s Bagel bowls. Most importantly, they are known for their appreciation and support of the local community.

Local business engagement is one of Collins’ favorite parts of having her business located here. Collins is grateful for Commerce Chenango and her fellow businesses for their support and facilitation of Kozmo’s. In return, she is generous with her time and resources. According to Collins: “The more you invest in the community, the more you get back”.

She has many ways of giving back. Kozmo’s contributes to the backpack program and hosted the Norwich City School District’s Stay and Play Foodies group in her restaurant earlier this month, giving them a behind the scenes tour of Kozmo’s and letting the kids make some of their specialty waffles.

Collins displays local artists’ work in her restaurant and has been known to provide opportunities for community members. “We have a block that attracts kids who have no sense of purpose. One day, I gave them brooms and told them to sweep the block for a free meal” Collins said. “They were so excited and the people in our diner were complimenting them. When some little old ladies told these kids that they were such hard workers, you could see these kids smile from the inside.” Collins mentioned how fond of a memory this was for her, and how impactful it was to these kids and her patrons.

Loyalty is a common theme with Kozmo’s Hometown Eatery, as evidenced by Collins’ commitment to bettering her community. Maiurano and Collins grew up here and love being in this town with their family. They even staff their friends and family members. They both attest that Norwich is a beautiful place to raise kids and they are thrilled to be right on the corner where they can engage with people: friends and strangers alike.

Maiurano and Collins agree: “There’s nothing better than the vibe on a Saturday morning when people are having conversations in our diner. It’s just surreal. We play good music and get the vibes right, it’s still weird to us, but it’s the best when people are busy and chattering.”

The owners look forward to learning more about having their own business and understanding the business flow of the area. A sneak peek of the future of Kozmo’s: a sign in the front of the building, continued menu improvement, a loan to redo their kitchen (a bigger grill opens the potential of all day breakfast).

Kozmo’s is temporarily open from Monday-Saturday 7am-2pm because of the roadwork, but is looking forward to resuming regular hours, Monday-Saturday 7am-6pm. To learn more, visit Kozmo’s Hometown Eatery on Facebook, or drop by their 24 North Broad Street location during business hours.