Owners

Dominick Avelluto & Alberto Marranzano

Dominick and Alberto share the same passion and same direction in running a business - they want to show people what it is like to eat like a true Italian.

Dominick Avelluto
Co-Owner

Dominick Avelluto knows what it takes to create a successful restaurant, pizzazz and prompt, personal service. The moment you walk into his establishment he greets you with a warm hello and a friendly smile. A virtual ball of hospitality fire, Avelluto is a native of the Puglia region in southern Italy, which comprises the tip of the boot on the geographical outline of country. Puglia is a hotbed for chefs and restaurateurs. 

Avelluto came to New York in 1970 as a young man. Starting with only ambition and a deep love for Italian food he began working in the restaurant business in 1980. His earliest position was as a busboy and only 10 years later he opened his first restaurant called, Ristorante Mazzei, in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Seeing a need for traditional, upscale Italian dining in Westchester County, Avelluto moved Ristorante Mazzei to Port Chester in 1999. The restaurant was then renamed Hostaria Mazzei. 

He also opened another Italian restaurant in Dublin that still exists.

Alberto Marranzano
Co-Owner

Alberto Marranzano, a native of Milan, has an international career in the restaurant industry. Since his first position as a bartender in one of Milan's top piano bars, he knew he had a keen interest and understanding of the business. Fascinated with every facet of the trade, he worked in several restaurants in Europe and Hong Kong, learning from the people and places along the way. In 1985 he began opening restaurants in Italy- first in Pavia, then in Sardinia and then Milan. After 6 years of successfully running the restaurant in Milan, Marranzano sold the business and moved to New York. 

Marranzano fell in love with New York and its people. And after visiting many "so-called" Italian restaurants, he knew there was a need for authentic contemporary Italian cuisine. He met Dominick Avelluto and found that they shared the same passion and same direction in running a business, so he became a co-owner of the restaurant in 2005. 

The three Italians, Sias, Avelluto and Marranzano, have one ambition: to communicate through food what it's like to be in Italy. They put their passion on the table and invite you to try a taste.

Dominick Avelluto




Alberto Marranzano