Food, sunshine and nostalgia as popular local restaurant celebrates its 40th (22 photos)

The weather was warm, the sky sunny, the food sensational and the entertainment nostalgic as the owners and staff of Giovanni’s Restaurant celebrated the eatery’s 40th anniversary in business with a public celebration in the restaurant’s northern parking lot Sunday.

“(Giovanni’s) has given me my life,” said Gino Cavaliere, speaking to SooToday.

“It’s given me a sense of pride to be able to do this and be very successful, and to now give back to our community, customers and friends. It’s been a great opportunity,” said Gino, who along with brother John, was the original co-owner/operator of the business.

Giovanni’s is truly a family business.

Giovanni’s is now owned and operated by Gino’s sons, Sergio and Nick.

In turn, Giovanni’s has parented two other popular Sault restaurants, Fratelli’s Kitchen at 522 Great Northern Rd., and Burger Don at 7 Great Northern Rd., each co-owned by Sergio and Nick (Fratelli’s opened in 2004, Burger Don in 2016).

“We’re very, very proud of my boys taking over when they did. I’m on top of the world. My brother John and I worked very hard to get Giovanni’s off the ground, and with the help of my boys, it’s been an amazing ride,” Gino said.

But, you never really retire from the restaurant business, right?

“It’s in their blood,” smiled Giovanni’s manager Maxine Cavaliere, referring to Gino and John.

“We need their help.They’re still teaching us and they’re introducing us to clients that come in, people who have come in for 40 years. We’re still learning the ropes,” Maxine said, though it’s clear, through the continuing great food and friendly staff, the younger set is learning very well indeed.

“We thought what better way to celebrate Giovanni’s 40th with our own Italian festival, with food, beer, wine and activities for the kids like inflatables, face painting and balloons, and a lot of great prizes to give away, including a trip for two to Italy, tickets for a Toronto FC soccer game in Toronto, Giovanni’s gift cards, a Bar1 Urban Fitness membership for one year and guitar lessons from Case’s Music, with a guitar, with a case,” Maxine said.

“The community has been amazing in donating these gifts for us to give away today.”

Apart from food and prizes, Sunday’s celebration included two performances by Giovanni’s server and Elvis impersonator Larry Tschekalin, and the band Flashback.