“Nonno,” Italian for “Grandfather,” is attributed to Galveston Restaurant Group’s patriarch, Tony Smecca (Johnny and Joey Smecca’s father). “Paulie’s Bar,” another family namesake, is named in honor of Danny Hart’s father, the third partner of Galveston Restaurant Group.

 

“Galveston Restaurant Group definitely brings a family element to the table and we want to pay homage to the roots of our delicious food,” say Johnny Smecca. “Our families play a significant role in our business, providing us with more than 40 years of experience in cooking and serving our guests. Nonno Tony’s will reflect that commitment to family and tradition, with a twist of new and exciting cuisine.”

 

Nonno Tony’s world flavors will utilize techniques honed at other Galveston Restaurant Group properties. “We wanted to celebrate some of the most iconic dishes from all our restaurants,” adds Joey Smecca.

 

Galveston Restaurant Group currently owns and operates five restaurants in Galveston and Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar in League City. The company is leasing space from Mitchell Historic Properties for its newest venture Nonno Tony’s World Kitchen. “We would like to see Pier 21 grow as a family friendly destination where visitors can enjoy a great meal, visit attractions and even stay the night,” said Bill Ross, senior vice president and general manager of Mitchell Historic Properties. “Nonno Tony’s World Kitchen will enhance the area and is a great addition to Pier 21.”

                                                                              

Galveston Restaurant Group has brought the “art of good eating” to patrons since 1997. Created by Johnny Smecca, Joey Smecca and Danny Hart, when they opened their first restaurant, Saltwater Grill in 1998, located in the heart of the Galveston Arts & Entertainment District. Since then, they have been creating, prospering and selling restaurant concepts that deliver the best dining experiences on the Texas Gulf Coast. Galveston Restaurant Group owns and operates Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant, Papa’s Pizza, Saltwater Grill, Sky Bar & Sushi and Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar. Visit them online at www.GalvestonRestaurantGroup.com.

 

Pier 21 is a waterfront entertainment and dining area located on Galveston’s historic harbor in The Historic Strand Seaport Area. Pier 21 offers restaurants, a variety of attractions such as BayWatch Dolphin Tours, Pier 21 Theater and the Texas Seaport Museum as well as Harbor House Hotel and Marina. Pier 21 is part of Mitchell Historic Properties which is owned by George Mitchell and the Mitchell family. MHP owns and preserves approximately one-fourth of the buildings in The Historic Strand Seaport Area. For leasing information, visit www.MitchellHistoricProperties.com or call (409) 763-5806.