The Rappoccio family said a tearful farewell to their family restaurant after celebrating their 50-year anniversary just three months ago. Sam’s Italian American Restaurant in Albany couldn’t find the staff or handle the rise in food prices the pandemic brought with it to make it another year.

Today, the sounds of a full table laughing, and even having a few disagreements could be heard at Sam’s Restaurant. Three generations of Rappoccios, two longtime bartenders and one beloved customer, gathered to speak with NEWS10 ABC. The owners—Carmella Rappoccio Dauvney, 73, and Paul Rappoccio, 71—said the decision to close has been “bittersweet” after the countless fond memories made there.