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Victoria Gramarossa used to run her own business, a tanning salon.
Then, both she and her sister had babies around the same time.
The place started feeling like a daycare center, she said.
Gramarossa knew it was time to sell.
“So I sold the salon and dove fully into the mom role,” she said. “I was a class mom, religion teacher, Girl Scouts leader and a two-term PTSA president, serving four years.”
But her girls are grown now. Isabella is 19. Angelina is 18.
And Victoria is headed back to work.
This time, she and her family from Lake Grove, including her husband of 23 years, Anthony, will be coming with her. The family is running its very own Bango franchise operation together. Their Centereach Bango opens Saturday, April 26, at 1759 Middle Country Rd.
This will mark the eighth Bango location, and the sixth on Long Island, with several more on the way, including in Allentown, Penn.
To the uninitiated, Bango serves salads, warm grain bowls, poke bowls, acai bowls, flaninis, avocado toasts and smoothies. Bango, which started as Bango Bowls, bills itself as a “better-for-you” food option for entire families.
In 2023, the company, which was founded in Massapequa Park in 2017, was named among the hottest startup fast-casual restaurants in the U.S.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of Bango’s 8th operating location in Centereach, led by the incredible Gramarossa family,” said Ryan Thorman, Bango’s CEO. “Their dedication and passion for Bango’s mission of delivering fresh, flavorful, fast and friendly service is truly inspiring.
“We can’t wait to see them thrive at this new location and continue their journey with two more locations in development.”
How it happened
Anthony Gramarossa actually discovered a Bango location in his travels. Then, he rushed home to his wife and raved about it, saying the family should definitely get involved.
“Once I tried it, I could taste how fresh the ingredients were,” Victoria said. “But my decision wasn’t made immediately.”
She kept going back, specifically to the Bay Shore location.
Then back again.
“I went often,” she said, “trying just about everything on the menu. And everything I ate was just so fresh, exceptionally fresh, delicious and they make it right there in front of you.
“So yeah, in a short time I was behind it 1000 percent, the food, the concept, everything.”
The family inked its deal with Bango about two years ago, also marking Bango’s first signed and official franchisee.
It just took a good deal of time to open, however, because their location at the then-planned New Village Plaza building didn’t exist yet.
“When we signed the lease, the land was just dirt,” Victoria said. “It was all built from the ground up, and it is gorgeous.”
“But I’m super excited,” she added. “It’s been a long time coming, for sure.”
The family’s next two Bango locations are both planned for northern Suffolk County, with details to follow.
Check back at Greater Long Island for updates.
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Top: Victoria and Anthony Gramarossa at the family’s new Bango franchise location in Centereach. (courtesy photo)
