Asset Overview
"The thermopolia were public dining
establishments that served hot food and
drinks (whence the Greek-style name):
it was not customary to have lunch
(prandium=midday meal) at home. This is a
typical, simple structure: one room opening
onto the road, with a brick counter decorated
with marble or terracotta slabs, into which
were sunk the dolia (jars) containing the
goods: at times, one could sit down in the
back rooms to eat one's meal. Many
amphorae were found in the back room of
this thermopolium, one of which bore an
inscription painted by a Herculaneum
craftsman: M. Livi Alcimi Herclani."
http://www.pompeiisites.org/allegati/ercolano_eng%20finale_150306120206.pdf