At Gino’s—More Than Just Italian, expert chef Gino Antonelli and his family invite you and your family to get more out of your dining experience
By Mary Malik
Gino Antonelli has spent his whole life living and loving food. Today, as a chef and owner of Gino’s—More Than Just Italian, Gino is combining everything he has learned from that lifetime love affair with food to create the place he hopes will become a favorite for families and friends to gather, celebrate and eat.
“I grew up eating my mother’s and grandmother’s recipes with family and friends gathered around the table,” Gino says. “I even made wine with my father. Now I can share all of this with my customers. It’s a dream come true for me and my family.”
Gino has been eating authentic Italian food his entire life, but it wasn’t until working as a dishwasher in Mayfield Heights at Frisco Rose that he started learning about the restaurant business.
“I’ve done it all in this business,” Gino says. “I worked in corporate dining and college foodservice for Marriott Corporation and Aramark, among others. I knew how to cook and had that passion for food, but through these experiences I learned about bookkeeping, how to train employees, develop menus and design logos. You name it, I did it. It was invaluable to me moving forward.”
And Gino did move forward. He was the chef/owner of Aces Grille in North Ridgeville for 10 years and still owns and serves as executive chef at Bistro at Bratenahl Place in Bratenahl—an upscale dining experience.
Gino’s—More Than Just Italian takes all that knowledge and passion and provides a fun, family-friendly place to enjoy great food, an expansive bar, live music and a beautiful outdoor patio for a family celebration, date night or just a simple evening out with friends.
“And it’s not all Italian food,” Gino says. “We offer gyros, ribs, corned beef sandwiches, taco nights and much more. Our goal is to offer the best quality foods that satisfy everyone. Although my heart and my roots are in Italian food, I know you can’t please everyone offering just one type of food. Sometimes you just want a cold beer and a great burger or to share a plate of wings with your friends. You’ll find it all at Gino’s.”
Gino describes his restaurant as his “heart and soul.” After being in the restaurant business his entire professional life, he finally has the restaurant he’s always dreamed of and is sharing it with his family—his other heart and soul.
“My wife, Ana, and my children, Victoria and Nicholas, all help out when they can,” Gino says. “Having this restaurant means the world to my family and I couldn’t be prouder to share our family’s history and love of food with this community.”
Gino particularly loves interacting with his guests and sharing stories. As part of the community, Gino’s supports local high school teams and hosts events in the restaurant’s party room, which seats 30 people.
“We also offer a catering menu so you can enjoy our food for all of your family events,” Gino says.
At Gino’s, it’s all about celebrations. The restaurant recently hosted a patio grand opening in May with live music by the Ace Molar Band, featuring Fox 8 News Anchor Todd Meany.
“Our covered patio has a great tropical feel and features blended cocktails like pina coladas and Gino’s Italian ice lemonade. Come join us for great food, drinks and music. At Gino’s, it’s so much more than just Italian.”
Visit MimiDeals.com to purchase either a $50 certificate for $25, or a $25 certificate for $12.50, and enjoy your Gino’s experience at half the price. Hurry, this offer is limited.
Gino’s—More Than Just Italian is located 14952 Pearl Road in Strongsville. For more information call 440-879-1001 or check the website GinosItalianGrill.com.