Letter of Appreciation from the Graziano Family

Celebrating Over 40 Years

In March 2009, Graziano’s Casa Mia Restaurant celebrated our 40th year in business. We want to thank everyone for celebrating with us, after all, you’re the reason we’re still here—longtime patrons, our current regulars, those “sometime” regulars and especially those we have yet to serve: We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and invite you to find out for yourself what authentic, family-oriented Italian cuisine is all about. We’re confident that when you come, you will not be disappointed.

Memories -

For forty years and three generations, at Graziano’s it’s always been about family. It’s as true now as it was when my father, Joe, first opened. I offer many thanks to my Mother, Jane, who makes the desserts that we all love, and to Robin, my lovely wife, and to Mary Frances, my sister….we all say ”thank you” for your hard work and long hours. But this isn’t to say that we attribute our longevity to just immediate family; in a very real sense, those that have remained working with us for extended periods become “family.” My father felt that way in his day, just as I feel it now. Under circumstances such as these, it’s difficult to not feel blessed. I am so grateful to my present staff; you are all such wonderful additions to this ever-growing family.

I have so many memories: I can remember my father cooking in the kitchen, yet always finding time to greet his customers in the dining rooms; there was Clint and Lorraine preparing the evening specials; I remember, as if it were just yesterday, Oliver rolling meatballs and stirring the sauce—ah, the sauce; I can see Florence patrolling the dining rooms with her impeccable eye for detail; and there was the incomparable “Lefty” Lachance and his daily visits for coffee, giving us a hard time about whether or not we’d removed his pictures from the wall; and I remember the splendor which was Round 1. Round 1, as it used to be, as a small and lively dining room, closed off from the rest of the world.

I vividly remember Gil—our jack-of-all-trades, Gil—building the physical additions to the restaurant, while my father worked on the addition of customers (as much by his charm as by his cooking): what a wonderful combination—both men succeeded beyond measure. There are so many more wonderful memories

And Today -

Through the years, there have been so many that have helped us. They’re too numerous to mention by name here but, rest assured, we haven’t forgotten. How could we? Waiters and waitresses, bartenders, dishwashers, cooks, hosts and hostesses, bus-people, cleaning persons and much more; each person, in their own unique way, has left their indelible mark on our family and on this restaurant. We’re better off for having known you, for allowing us to guide you and, as is often the case in life, for what you’ve taught us as well. Next time you’re in for dinner, look around the dining room. You just might see one of these “family” members at another table. Many of them check back in from time to time, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

To All Our Loyal Friends -

Yet, for all that we’ve done here through the years; it would all have been for naught if it weren’t for our customers, our friends. We wouldn’t be here today without you, and I thank you all. It’s always important to take pause and to remember why it is we do what we do; this is our occupation, yes, but it gives us great pleasure to know that you, the customer, is satisfied. Come in and give us the opportunity to remind you of the delight that a meal at Graziano’s can bring. Please join our family and raise a toast with us in celebration of forty years of wonderful memories, and to the excitement of all the friends we have yet to meet!

Salute!
Joey