Description

December 26, 2021 marks Luigi's Italian Restaurant's 30th Anniversary. Since then, Luigi's has become a timeless classic, serving consistent, delicious Italian cuisine to the community. 

Owners, Sara and Nick Gallina brought their family from Sicily to Manitowoc in 1991. While Nick had formally ran a Pizza Shop in New Jersey before returning to his homeland of Sicily where he and Sara raised their family for 14 years. When they opened their doors, it was just the immediate family and a few waitstaff/dishwashers to welcome their first customers. Since then, multigenerational families have been employed by Luigis. At the time of original opening Luigis offered pizza, 5 pasta dishes, and 4 sandwiches. Now their multi paged menu offers so many favorites they have a hard time cutting items since everything sells so well. Luigis’s has won numerous awards and recognition from the community, and they are thrilled that after all these years they still have so many whom love their food. Nick passed away in 2003, but Sara and her son, Stefano have continued his legacy and dream since. Sara has run the front of the house and Stefano the back of the house all these years. This past summer, Sara welcomed back her daughter, Christina to assist in day to day operations after Christina’s own successful turn in the restaurant business serving Two Rivers.  Sara’s eldest daughter Maria and her husband, Umberto, went on to open their own restaurant in Sheboygan, which they have been running for the last 23 years. 

Owning a business and reaching the milestone of 30 years in business comes with its high and lows. They’ve been through it all. With so many openings and closings of other independent restaurants, it seems to be a rare story for a small family owned restaurant to survive. They have weathered 30 years of economic ups and downs, made adjustments in recessions and now pandemics and yet they still continue to be successful and relevant.  They believe this is due to a lucky combination of dedicated owners, a lot of hard work (and hours), amazing staff, loyal customers and delicious food.

The Gallina family collectively agrees that it also has been such a honor over all the years to be part of so many customer’s life celebrations-baptisms gatherings, graduation and birthday parties, baby and bridal showers and the list goes on. They have customers that come in multiple times a week or others that order pick-up/delivery each week of their favorite dishes. Customers have become friends and part of their extended family. They have been able to watch their little ones grow up to have families of their own. They truly believe that’s one of the greatest testimonies of their business. Luigis has also played an active part in the community supporting countless fundraisers and other charitable events over the last 30 years. Giving back will always be part of Luigis mission. 

The Gallina Family would like to thank the beautiful City of Manitowoc for their ongoing patronage and support for the last 30 years. They know Nick would be so proud of this amazing accomplishment. 

 Grazie a tutti,

 The Gallina Family 

P.S. Luigi’s is celebrating the entire month of December! Please watch for food and drink specials and chances to win some amazing gifts each week as their thank you for everyone’s support over the last 30 years!