Michael Garozzo founded Garozzo’s Ristorante in 1989. He is the owner and operator of all four Kansas City area locations. Michael was born and raised on the “Hill” in St. Louis, famous for its great Italian restaurants. It was there 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 to follow his dream.

After moving to Kansas City, Michael opened the doors to his first restaurant in the historic Italian neighborhood, Columbus Park, on April 6, 1989. Garozzo’s quickly became well-known as the originators of their signature dish, Chicken Spiedini, which has become a Kansas City staple, “often imitated, never duplicated.” Today there are four Garozzo locations; the original location in Downtown Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, MO, and two locations on the Kansas side in Overland Park and Olathe.

The restaurants pride themselves on our mission statement, “When you walk into one of our restaurants, it’s like walking into Michael’s home for Sunday dinner, because you’re family at Garozzo’s.” Each location has received numerous awards and has been visited by countless celebrities from Kid Rock to Tony Bennett. The original location’s wall of fame is legendary.

Rated by Zagat as “One of the Top Italian Restaurants in the Country.” It was described as “food so good, you will taste it in your dreams… in a Sinatra’s kind of hangout; their signature Chicken Spiedini is among the best dishes in town.” Garozzo’s recently received Kansas City’s prestigious magazine’s Wall of Fame award for being voted best Italian restaurant 5 consecutive years in a row.

In addition to Michael’s accomplishments in the restaurant industry, his family has recently celebrated something even more exciting – a grandchild by the name of Maggie Rose. When speaking of Maggie Rose, whom Michael fondly calls “Miss Maggie,” 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, it is one of his dreams to someday shower 10 grandchildren with love.

The Garozzo family and staff invite you to a true Italian dining experience, second to none. Buon Appetito! less