2003 - Nicola "Nick" Troiani - Nicola's
Nicola Troiani's Nicola's Restaurant in Fresno was well respected for 20 years. He also had a restaurant in San Francisco called O' Sole Mio. He was born in 1929 and passed away in December of 2005.
2004 - Don Saladino - Saladino's
Don Saladino's father owned a grocery Store in Fresno back in 1944. Don worked in the meat department of that grocery store. Between his meat packing experience and the family recipes from the Calabrese region in Italy, Don formed the Saladino's Sausage Company, initially distributing sausage products to local grocery stores. In 1980, Don's son, Craig Saladino,joined the business and they expanded their products to include a wider variety of sausage and meat products, and began distributing to local pizzerias and restaurants.
Craig Saladino is now President of Saladino's Incorporated. They are now in a new state-of-the-art distribution facility in Fresno, CA. Don Saladino's Motto, "Never forget where you came from," is evident in every aspect of Saladino's business practices, which has always considered its number-one priority to be customer service.
2005 - Richard Stockle - Richard's Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant
Originally, when Richard Stockle opened his Richard's Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant on Belmont, he planned for a beer bar, a couple of pool tables and a little gaming on the side. That was in the summer of 1969. Expenses grew during opening preparations, so Richard scratched the original plans and reworked the plans for a restaurant. It didn't take long for the restaurant to become a local hotspot for its juicy steaks and fresh seafood.
In July of 2005, 36 years since the original opening, Richard sold the restaurant. It didn't take but a few years til Richard had it back. The previous owner had defaulted on payments and when Richard re-assumed the role of owner, he found the place in a total shambles. Richard's Restaurant required a complete renovation and when the Stockle family was finished, it was much better than in the beginning.
Richard's is still a family-run restaurant to this day. Richard's grandson Ben now serves as the restaurant's general manager, and his father and aunt sit on the board of directors. To this day, Richards remains constant with great food, a great atmosphere and a great staff that welcomes its guests as family.
2006 - The Castillo Family - Castillo's
Unfortunately, at the time we searched for any background on Castillo's on line, we were unable to locate any information or photos. Should we become fruitful in our endeavors, or if anybody out there has any information, please let us know. We will update with any info that comes available.
2007 - Vito Guido - Elbow Room
It was 1955 and it was the first year that the Elbow Room was open in Fresno. From day one, they've been serving a fantastic steak sandwich and it's still the number one item on the menu today.
It was hard to dig up much information on Vito Guido on the internet, but we did find some information on Mary "Lee" Rider, who became Vito's beloved wife, Mary "Lee" Guido. She and Guido married on July 25, 1969. In 1971, they purchased The Elbow Room. In talking with one old timer, we learned that Guido wasn't a large fellow, but his charisma was definitely dominating when he walked into a room. This old-timer recalls going into the Elbow Room in Downtown Fresno and always finding something great to eat. He recalls that it could have been a taco, or a sandwich or just about anything, but that it was always definitely good!
Lee and Vito retired in 1981 and moved to Cayucos, CA.
We haven't been able to located the date of the move of the Elbow Room to the location at Palm and Shaw. We do know, though, that the Elbow Room did a fabulous business at that location for many years. Eventually, The Elbow Room moved to it's present location in the Fig Garden Shopping Center - in the restaurant which was once known as Borelli's.
The Elbow Room, completely remodeled in 2013 now has three uniquely designed banquet rooms and is a favorite dining location for many Fresnans. Mike Shirinian, present owner says it's their artisan approach to comfort food that's the real secret to the success of the nearly six decade-old California icon.
Chef Roy Harland invites you to experience the amazing flavors in their fresh seafood and exceptional steaks. The Elbow Room has both eyes on the future while retaining an important link to its historic past - where everything old is new again.
2008 - Sam & Angela Marziliano - Sam's Italian Deli & Market
What a fabulous legend Sam's Italian Deli is for the Fresno area. Please stop by our previous post from September 23 to learn more about this fabulous Fresno icon.
Don't for a minute think that Sam's Italian Deli is resting and basking in it's long-term history, they are moving it and shaking it, keeping up with today's demands and culinary desires.
Stop by Sam's soon to see what's moving and shaking there! You'll not be disappointed!
Be sure to stop by our blog tomorrow to learn the history of the 2009 through 2014 Award Winners. We have a lot more history to share! See you then!
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