About Us

Rosedale (Queens)

Joe Arato and Joe Gonnelly were both born in Brooklyn, New York.  They met each other ten years later when their families moved to Rosedale (Queens).  In Rosedale they became best of friends and remain so to this day.  As the years passed, they both relocated their homes and families to Nassau County, Long Island.  Throughout their long friendship, the love of good food had been a constant, mutual bond. 

As kids, they loved eating at the local pizza parlors.  As they grew older, this appreciation expanded to Italian restaurants.  Eating a good meal was always an "art" the two Joes shared.  They would always and still do as a joke today, start a conversation with their usual question..."D'ja eat yet?"  It was an event before the fun began or one to end the night. 

Joe Gonnelly & Joe Arato, 1983

Having been raised in Italian families, good food was an important part of their family life and social gatherings.  This aspect of their lives never changed.  Eating at pizza parlors and Italian restaurants for so long gave fuel to their arguments about which places were the best and worst to go to. 

As Joe Gonnelly stated, "We actually had it down to the exact point where we critiqued the types of sauces and breads, etc."  Joe Arato said, "I remember pizza always being a major topic.  It always came down to the crust.  It gave us good reason to go get a piece of pizza with a third party to settle the argument.  It was all in good fun, of course."

Rosedale Memories

The dream shared by both Joes had been that of opening a place, which would make the quality of food the most important feature along with an atmosphere that you felt at home with.  They would serve great food using fresh ingredients to their guests at reasonable prices while surrounding them with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. 

"We wanted to create a menu that featured the dishes everyone knew and enjoyed.  When our guests come 'home', we want them to know they will get what they expect and leave happy with a good taste in their mouths.  The staff will treat them like family.  We want our place to be one they can rely on.

"As you come to eat and be together with those who are important to your or just to be alone for awhile, please remember that your are all important to us. You are not only our guests, but those who helped make our dream a reality.

"Enjoy yourselves. Welcome to our family. To all of you, we say: CIAO! MANGIARE! GUSTARE E GRAZIE!"