Traffic on already busy Route 66 may soon be slowed by the overwhelming scent of fresh desserts, breads and coffee wafting from Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery when it opens on Washington Street in early January. The bakery is beloved around the region for sweet Italian confections: pasta ciotti, cannoli, biscotti, bigné shells filled with sweet ricotta, vanilla and chocolate cream, rum rolls, sfogliatelle with mandarin-flavored ricotta filling, tiramisu hazelnut rolls and countless other delights.

The 3,000-square-foot Middletown location, at 762 Washington St., will expand the footprint of Mozzicato DePasquale, said co-owner Rino Mozzicato, who will oversee day-to-day operations. Its construction will add a fourth location to the family’s empire, which includes the Frankin Avenue bakery in the capital city, and others on New Britain Avenue in Plainville and North Colony Road in Wallingford.