Luigi and Martha Ferre opened Luigi’s over 15 years ago when philanthropist George Mitchell offered the couple the opportunity to open a restaurant of their very own. Since that time, the Ferre’s have made gastric history. “It’s me in the kitchen, we don’t have a chef. As the owner, I care the most about service and quality,” says Luigi, “our restaurant is slightly more expensive but because we make everything from scratch, the quality makes up for the cost.” Everything from the pasta to the ice cream is made in-house and the few items that cannot be handmade, like meats and seafood, are bought fresh daily and served in the authentic Italian way from family recipes.

 

When asked about owning a business in Galveston, Luigi said “Sometimes it’s hard. In the summer, business is good. Winters are harder but, because we are family here, it works. I like downtown. I think Galveston is going to really grow with all the new attractions” like the newly opened Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast attraction in Downtown Galveston and the Historic Pleasure Pier that is due to open in the summer.

 

Luigi’s advice to new business owners is “stay on top of your business all the time. I’m the owner but I am also in the kitchen all of the time. Take care of the business. It’s hard work. You will have to make hard decisions but always stay on the business. And make sure you know how to do everything! You don’t want to be caught short handed and not know what you are doing.”

 

Luigi’s Ristorante Italiano, a tenant of Mitchell Historic Properties, is located at 2328 Strand in historic downtown Galveston. Luigi’s offers daily lunch specials that vary from pasta to specialty pizzas and dinner specials that change weekly. Luigi’s is open for lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, dinner Monday thru Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and dinner Friday and Saturday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Luigi’s is closed on Sunday.

 

Mitchell Historic Properties oversees Galveston properties owned by George Mitchell and the Mitchell family, including its commercial and residential properties located downtown. For leasing information, visit www.mitchellhistoricproperties.com or call (409) 763-5806.