NEWS
7/14/2010 10:57:00 AM
Ciao out, Gino's in at West Glen
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BY TODD RAZOR
Writer
After nearly 50 years in business, Gino's Restaurant & Lounge will open a second location at West Glen Town Center.
Bill McFall, president of Gino's West Glen, said the Italian steakhouse plans to open the doors of its newly leased space at 5513 Mills Civic Parkway, the former home of Ciao restaurant, later this month.
Ciao closed this past weekend.
John Cimaglia, owner of the Ciao trademark and managing partner of Graze West Des Moines LLC - the investment group that owned Ciao restaurant - said he will consider opening a new restaurant under the Ciao name at a different site.
"I'm looking at a new spot, but nothing solid as of yet," said Cimaglia, noting that a downtown location is possible. According to Cimaglia, Ciao opened in April after Graze restaurant, which was owned by the same investment group, closed operations in early March.
"We pretty much bought them out," McFall said, referring to Gino's purchase of Graze West Des Moines LLC's furniture, fixtures and equipment. "This is a whole new business deal," he said.
BJ Connolly, the Iowa Realty Commercial broker who represented Gino's in locating the approximately 10,000-square-foot space, confirmed that Ciao closed on July 10 and that Gino's immediately took possession.
"It all just happened very quickly," Connolly said.
"We got a great deal out here," said McFall, noting that the West Des Moines restaurant will feature new variations of Gino's 47-year-old brand, such as live entertainment, fresh fish and vegetables and 50 varieties of martinis. "We've created items that have worked for us in the past and a put a little twist on it," he said.
"We know that it's going to be a different vibe out here," McFall said, adding that Gino's has signed a 10-year lease on the real estate. "A lot of our customers have moved out to West Des Moines, so we are going to capture that. We have a really strong following."
Jenny Walton, who was the general manager of Ciao, will manage Gino's West Glen. McFall said he plans to retain about 20 former Ciao employees and add about 10 new workers.
Cimaglia said the deal unfolded this past weekend. "The investors are a great group of people, and I wish Gino's the best," he said.
On July 23, Gino's West Glen will host a soft opening for friends and family members. And according to McFall, Aviva USA will be one of the first companies to rent out the restaurant for a two-day private event.
Gino's, which was founded by McFall's grandfather, Gino Foggia, opened at 2809 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, in 1963. "He hangs out at the bar and talks to all the customers," McFall said.
In 1993, Gino's began manufacturing its own brand of dressings, sauces, seasonings and other products, which it markets through Hy-Vee Inc., Dahl's Foods Inc., and Fareway Stores Inc., as well as smaller outlets such as smaller outlets such as A Taste of Italy and Gateway Market.
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Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Article comment by:
Kimberlee Spillers
Best wishes to Gino's West Glen! We've been faithful Gino's patrons since they opened at 6th Avenue - we're on our 4th generation. In fact, our youngest, 20-yr-old daughter just told Diane on our last trip that when she dies, she wants to go to 2809 6th Avenue! Good luck from the Sears, Shouse, Spillers families.
Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Article comment by:
beth f
I thought the Resturant's name was Crave not Graze?
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