TAMPA, Fla. — Off Dale Mabry highway, dressed in their holiday best, families lined up outside Donatello Italian Restaurant, where giving thanks is a time-honored tradition.
For decades now, locals have been enjoying Thanksgiving meals served up by this classic Italian eatery.
“We’ll feed about 1,000 people today in the restaurant,” said Gino Tiozzo, co-owner and general manager. “Tampa's where I grew up where my children are growing up, and where I choose to be in life, and I'm very thankful for that.”
Gino, his stepmother, his staff and volunteers make it a point to show how thankful they are. Every family who comes to the restaurant gets a full plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy — and who could forget the pasta?
The cost? Just come with a smile.
“Everything is wonderful, everything is wonderful,” said Ann Jenkins, who was eating with her family. “We've been coming here for a long time, when he first started.”
It started with Gino’s father, Guido Tiozzo, who opened the restaurant in the 1980s. A few years later he he came up with the idea alongside then-Tampa Mayor Sandra Freedman.
“He wanted to do something that give back to the community that supported us and welcomed us in so graciously,” Gino explained.
Guido passed away in 2019, but photos of him still loom large outside the dining room alongside many celebrities who have shared a meal here. But even if your photo’s not on the wall, you still get treated like a star.
It’s part of the experience with suited-up staff, live music and even gifts for the kids, little things that mean a whole lot.
“It makes me feel enjoyable to see so many people come out and stand in line and wait to get in and get a marvelous meal. He's doing a wonderful job,” Jenkins added.
A job Gino’s dad would still be proud of and one he hopes to continue for another 40 or so Thanksgivings. “God willing. It's not up to me, but you know, God willing, yes,” Gino added.