Less than a year after opening its doors, an Owego market and eatery will be leaving Front Street — and moving around the corner to an expanded space.
Villaggio Italian Market, a cross between a bistro and imported goods store, announced its upcoming relocation in a May 19 Facebook post. The project will not only move the market’s location, but allow for a significant expansion, which will create more seating, a full bar and an outdoor dining space.
The business first opened in November 2025, with a small dining area looking out on Owego’s Front Street and a larger market section packed with goods of Italian origin in the back.
Owego’s Villaggio Italian Market to relocate and expand
According to the post, the market’s expansion is in large part motivated by the warm welcome Villaggio has received since becoming part of the Owego community.
“Thanks to the incredible support of this community — and because so many of you have asked for more seating, more space, more market offerings, and more ways to enjoy Villaggio — we’re able to grow into the next chapter,” reads the post.
As part of the project, the business will be moving to 62–64 North Ave., less than a quarter mile from its current location at 173 Front St. The new building features a storefront area on the ground floor, with two floors of residential units located above.
Previously, the building was home to Funky Junk Market, which opened in 2024. Prior to Funky Junk Market, the building was home to Haven of Rest Ministries, with Lynn’s Drug Store operating from the same address in the past.
According to Tioga County records, the property is owned by NAVO Properties, LLC, which owns several properties throughout the Village of Owego.
Though the market’s hook is imported Italian goods, a key part of Villaggio’s offerings are created in tandem with other local businesses. The market offers take-and-bake dinners from Phantom Chef, baked goods from Strega Nonna’s Bakery and bread sourced from local shops.
Though there is no public timeline available for the project, Villaggio will remain open and fully operational during its normal business hours.
The market’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For Memorial Day weekend, the business will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 23 and closed May 24-25.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Villaggio Italian Market to relocate, expand dining offerings
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
