Troy L. Milliron 
Editor’s Note: This is the 15th in a series of iconic Westerville businesses that are featured monthly.
Westerville residents marked life’s special moments by celebrating at Giammarco’s Italian restaurant6030 Chandler Court, since 1999.
“It’s a place where the community goes for special events in their lives,” said Tom Bernardo, owner. “I have our 40th high school reunion here for Westerville North.”
He said his cousin, Vicki Giammarco, started it all 23 years ago opposite his current location, and he bought it in 2001.
The popular restaurant had seating for 40 customers at the original location near United Dairy Farmers, growing to 80 before Bernardo brought in his sister, Julie Godfrey, who helped build its current location which has a capacity of 400 seats. including its vast patio.
“My dad had been going there for years and loved going there,” Bernardo said. “I was still living in New Jersey. I have been in the hospitality industry all my life. My business has always been the development of hotels and franchises for Choice Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide. I bought this because my dad loved it, loved going there.
He said his late father, Reno Bernardoowned a restaurant called Reno’s in the 80s on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Morse Road.
“He gave me the motivation and inspiration to get into the restaurant business that I grew up in,” he said. “It kind of stayed in my blood.”
In honor of his father, Bernardo named a dining room the “Reno room”.
“It’s just me and my wife, Marianela,” Bernardo said. “She does all the books. The kids, Thomas, Lance, Sam, Sabrina, have all worked here over the years. My brother, Joe, was the general manager for years. I couldn’t do anything without Mo (Abusido), our general manager. He is totally awesome.
He said people like independently owned and operated family businesses.
“There are recipes that have been in the family for 50 years,” he said. “We try to keep these consistent and fresh. Before, I lived in Italy. I played professional football in Italy. I went to Westerville North (graded 1982) and played football. I went to Cornell University, played football, and studied their hotel catering and hotel management programs.
“After that I went to play four more years in professional football in Italy and studied food, wine, culture. I tried to bring a lot of that back here to Giammarco, so he has a certain authenticity.”
Bernardo said popular dishes include homemade lasagna with layers of Italian cheeses, seasoned ground chuck, spinach and homemade marinara sauce, pizza and pasta.
He said kids go crazy for pizza pillows, homemade pizza dough, fried and served with marinara.
“Adults love them as much as kids do,” Bernardo said. “We have fresh zucchini. People love spaghetti squash. We have fresh salmon, a daily fresh fish dish. Our gluten-free menu is popular. Everyone loves Stromboli.
Pat & Wendy O’Donnell of Powell enjoyed dining on the restaurant’s patio on June 23.
“We love it,” Pat O’Donnell said. “We both grew up here. We come when we are in the area.
He enjoyed the hot Italian sausages and peppers.
Les and April Mann of Westerville remember when the restaurant was built.
“He has a really nice patio,” Les Mann said. “We get something and share it.”
A recent Google review by Casey Ganger said, “Giammarco’s is one of our favorite hangout spots! Love the meatballs! I love sitting at the bar and enjoying the atmosphere, friendly bartenders, delicious food and being close to home. I highly recommend!”
The restaurant staff are also like family.
Abusido said he had worked there for nine years.
“What I love most about my job here is that he (Tom) treats me like his son,” he said. “What makes you feel comfortable at work is how you are treated. He and Mare (Marianela) are the reason I’m here. I also like the clientele and the industry.
Jessica Baker from Westerville has worked at Giammarco for 15 years, starting as a busser, working take-out, then serving and bartending.
“I came and went, but I don’t think I ever completely left,” she said. “It’s a family atmosphere. We are all so close. It’s the little mom-and-pop vibe that I really like. The food is really good. Everyone still cares so much about each other. It’s so tight. I was 15 when I started here. Now I am 30 years old. It was my job during my studies. Now I’m married and have a 3 year old who’s eating Gelato right now.
Bernardo said he made major investments as the building is now 11 years old.
“We completely renovated the bar,” he said. “We have doubled our craft and draft beers. We have 18 now. People love craft beers now. We expanded the patio and added a whole new stage. We have a lot of live entertainment, almost six to seven days a week. We have a petanque league in spring, summer and fall.
Bernardo said each season has 60 teams, with five games per night.
“The terrace is packed,” he said. “Bocce really separates us and stimulates our patio activity. I think it’s the most beautiful patio. It’s so beautiful and peaceful and calm there. Bocce is a traditional Italian game. We have couples, seniors. Any age can roll a bocce ball. It appeals to a wide range of people. It brings a lot of business to the restaurant. And our food is good.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
@ThisWeekMarla
