LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. - Tucked away in San Marco Plaza in Lakewood Ranch is the neighborhood Italian spot Cassariano Italian Eatery.
Business partners Luca Cassani and Antonio Pariano run the place, along with their original location in Venice.
Their restaurant’s name is a blend of two last names. Chef Pariano says “Cassariano” isn’t even an Italian word.
Pariano is originally from Turin, Italy and Cassani, from Milan.
Both have been in the U.S. for 20 years, starting in Upstate New York then eventually migrating south, like all Snowbirds, to the Suncoast.
“I do the talking, he does the cooking,” Cassani said, “I kiss the customers’ hands, and he kisses their palates.”
While Cassani does the hand-kissing, chef Pariano compares his development and production of dishes to the job of a conductor in a symphony.
“It becomes like an orchestra in music ... When a maestro tells you when to play or what to play, you are ready and everyone plays together,” Pariano said.
They certainly run a well-oiled ship, full of staff amidst The Great Resignation. Despite some complaints Suncoast residents have had about service at other local businesses, Cassarino has maintained strong service.
“I see businesses struggling because they don’t have enough staff,” Cassani said.
Cassariano has plenty, it appears. Despite labor shortages, staff keep coming back and they tell ABC7 they are happy to be there.
The business partners say they treat employees like family. One staff member has been with...
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