Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Gentile.
Hi Donna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Frank, the owner, grew up in Brooklyn, NY and moved to North Augusta SC and brought a taste of NY! Frank has been in business in the North Augusta, SC, area for over 30 years. He chose this area for the family atmosphere and the desire to see his business thrive through multiple generations.
Frank originally learned how to make pizza in a flourishing pizza industry in the north by working multiple locations for his boss. Once he felt comfortable that he wanted to open his own business, he decided to marry and start a restaurant with his new wife.
Frank has had 3 very successful restaurants in his career, one in West Virginia and two in North Augusta, South Carolina. His third restaurant he opened down town North Augusta in honor and memory of his favorite brother-in-law, Antonio.
All of his recipes have been developed through his parents teachings, job experience and tweaking them to factor in his locations. Everyday you will see prep going on from cutting the freshest ingredients to cooking the sauces to preparing the homemade desserts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most serious struggle was covid and adapting. the struggle now is staffing and increase in food cost.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Owner, Pizza maker. What sets us apart is our family oriented atmosphere and no Tv’s in the restaurant. We want people to interact with each other, not stare at screens.
We still make pizza the old fashion way. Our dough is made fresh 3 or 4 times a day. Pizza is stretched by hand.
Sauces are made fresh every day. No opening a can and saying this is our sauce.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Our biggest risk was coming to an area where we knew no one and starting a business that has survived through Covid and the recent hurricane.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniositalianeatery/
- Facebook: antonio’s Italian Eatery
