Fast-casual eatery MAC & RONI opening in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The space at 183 Nott Terrace in Schenectady has gone through a lot of changes over the past several years, including the building being demolished and a new one being built. Now, a new restaurant called MAC & RONI is set to open in that space.

Owner Chris Marotta has spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, previously owning Marotta's Pizza and Catering in Schenectady, along with other pizzerias and Italian fine dining spots. Marotta will still be serving Italian food at MAC & RONI while being more of a fast-casual eatery.

"I have found that in the most recent years following COVID, the fast-casual concept for quality food tailored to on-the-go diners has exploded in popularity, paving the way for a BYO experience," Marotta told NEWS10.

MAC & RONI focuses on BYO (build-your-own) pasta dishes, salads, and wraps. Customers can choose a base for their dish, and add meat and vegetables of their choosing. Marotta said they'll also have signature dishes and specials to pick from.

When a customer walks in, they can go up to the front counter and order, with their dish being made in front of them. The eatery will be offering online ordering, dine-in, take-out, and delivery through DoorDash. MAC & RONI seats over 60 people inside, while the outdoor patio seats more than 30.

The site at 183 Nott Terrace used to be home to Castelo's Restaurant, which closed in 2010. The building was later demolished and rebuilt by Chris and Dave Malizia around 2017, said Marotta.

You can check out some photos of MAC & RONI below. You can also take a look inside the eatery by watching the video above.

MAC & RONI is currently hiring counter and kitchen staff. If interested, you can send an email to mac.roni.files@gmail.com.

Marotta is looking to open MAC & RONI sometime in May. The eatery will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.