History
Michael Garozzo is the owner and operator of both Garozzo’s Italian restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Area for almost 30 years. Michael was born and raised on the “Hill” in St. Louis. He began his restaurant career as a busboy, with a dream of one day owning a restaurant. His father, Salvatore and his uncle Alfio, both waiters in fine restaurants all their lives, encouraged Michael. He opened the first Garozzo’s in 1989, as he says “On a wing and a prayer” in the historic Columbus Park Italian neighborhood in Downtown Kansas City, A.K.A The North End. Today there are two popular locations growing catering business in the Greater Kansas City area. Garozzo’s prides itself on its signature Chicken Spiedini, a Garozzo’s creation, which has become a Kansas City staple.
In 1991, during Michael’s visit to Italy he decided to create his own private label of wine, Garozzo Cellars Chianti Classico using the 1993 vintage. Along with the Chianti, Garozzo’s Cellars Pinot Grigio is also available by the bottle and glass in each of the restaurants.
Not satisfied with dining in for his customers, Michael wanted to recreate the dining experience at home. In 1998, Michael began the process of bottling his Sugo (tomato sauce), Diablo sauce, Amogio and House Italian dressing. He painstakingly makes sure that each recipe is followed to the letter and that the sauces are available at most grocery stores in the Kansas City Metro Area.
In 2016 Garozzo’s started selling the Chicken Spiedini itself (freshly made, never frozen), in most area grocers. If you don’t see Garozzo’s Chicken Spiedini in your favorite meat department, please ask for it by name. Michael was honored by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association in 2001 Restaurateur of the year. He was also the 2017 president of the GKCRA and he is currently the Chairman of the Board. In addition, Garozzo’s was voted Best Italian Restaurant 2017 by Ingrams Magazine and The Pitch. Michael, his family and the entire Garozzo’s staff invite you to a true Italian dining experience second to none. We hope you enjoy eating at Garozzo’s as much as we enjoy serving you! Grazie & Buon Appetito!
A family tradition
Michael and his wife Maggie have been married for over 30 years and they have four daughters and 5 grandchildren. Michael’s daughters, sons in law and grandchildren, all affectionally refers to him as Babbo, the Sicilian word for dad. When speaking of his grandchildren, Michael said, “It’s a whole new level of love, and being a grandparent is one of the only things in life that isn’t overrated.” In fact, Michael dreams to someday shower a minimum of 10 grandchildren with love! His oldest daughter Gina Vitale is his right-hand person helping him run the family business.
History
Michael Garozzo is the owner and operator of both Garozzo’s Italian restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Area for almost 30 years. Michael was born and raised on the “Hill” in St. Louis. He began his restaurant career as a busboy, with a dream of one day owning a restaurant. His father, Salvatore and his uncle Alfio, both waiters in fine restaurants all their lives, encouraged Michael. He opened the first Garozzo’s in 1989, as he says “On a wing and a prayer” in the historic Columbus Park Italian neighborhood in Downtown Kansas City, A.K.A The North End. Today there are two popular locations growing catering business in the Greater Kansas City area. Garozzo’s prides itself on its signature Chicken Spiedini, a Garozzo’s creation, which has become a Kansas City staple.
In 1991, during Michael’s visit to Italy he decided to create his own private label of wine, Garozzo Cellars Chianti Classico using the 1993 vintage. Along with the Chianti, Garozzo’s Cellars Pinot Grigio is also available by the bottle and glass in each of the restaurants.
Not satisfied with dining in for his customers, Michael wanted to recreate the dining experience at home. In 1998, Michael began the process of bottling his Sugo (tomato sauce), Diablo sauce, Amogio and House Italian dressing. He painstakingly makes sure that each recipe is followed to the letter and that the sauces are available at most grocery stores in the Kansas City Metro Area.
In 2016 Garozzo’s started selling the Chicken Spiedini itself (freshly made, never frozen), in most area grocers. If you don’t see Garozzo’s Chicken Spiedini in your favorite meat department, please ask for it by name. Michael was honored by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association in 2001 Restaurateur of the year. He was also the 2017 president of the GKCRA and he is currently the Chairman of the Board. In addition, Garozzo’s was voted Best Italian Restaurant 2017 by Ingrams Magazine and The Pitch. Michael, his family and the entire Garozzo’s staff invite you to a true Italian dining experience second to none. We hope you enjoy eating at Garozzo’s as much as we enjoy serving you! Grazie & Buon Appetito!
A family tradition
Michael and his wife Maggie have been married for over 30 years and they have four daughters and 5 grandchildren. Michael’s daughters, sons in law and grandchildren, all affectionally refers to him as Babbo, the Sicilian word for dad. When speaking of his grandchildren, Michael said, “It’s a whole new level of love, and being a grandparent is one of the only things in life that isn’t overrated.” In fact, Michael dreams to someday shower a minimum of 10 grandchildren with love! His oldest daughter Gina Vitale is his right-hand person helping him run the family business.
