In the southern hillsides of Italy, two brothers, Gennaro and Luciano Centofanti,grew up learning traditional family recipes, indulging in exotic Mediterraneanflavors and authentic Italian cuisine. For more than 30 years, theirinnovative concept to incorporate a chain of mall food court locations and fullservicedining options has resulted in delicious recipes, with re–creations fromtheir mother’s kitchen and other family recipes. “We introduce many of theoriginal recipes from Italy,” says Gennaro, as he reflects on the Italian tradition,spanning from food and culture to taste and eclectic spices. Their mother, Lina,a native of southern Italy, was a successful restaurateur. When the young menmade their way to the United States, it seemed destiny took a hand by givingthem an opportunity to open a unique, dining venue.
Originally, they began as a full–service dining restaurant in NewJersey, opening their first store in 1971, before expanding into mallsand food courts. Named after the family, Cento & Fanti is a diningexperience devoted to true Italian culture and cuisine. “This is thehomemade Italian way,” says Luciano. “We wanted to bring somethingnew people here had never experienced before.” In 1983, theymade their way into the Alamo City. Making the transition from thefast–paced East Coast to Texas was not quite as smooth as expected,but it was the right choice. “We loved the warmth of people in thiscity,” admits Gennaro.
Starting with only 4,000 sq. ft., situated in the old food court atNorth Star Mall, the brothers began their operation. “Our conceptwas to infiltrate the malls and broaden out to include full–servicedining,” explains Luciano. From there, they expanded into Ingram,College Station, Austin, Houston and Dallas. “We’re in the top mallsacross the country,” says Luciano. Centofanti Corporation currentlyowns and operates 24 locations of fast food/casual food courts, fourfull–service restaurants, four Philly Cheese Steaks and one coffeeshop.
At Luciano’s, expect to find freshly prepared salads and pizzas ondisplay. “We produce a lot of volume,” says Gennaro. In fact, it’s thenumber–one producer in sales within their niche market. “It’s an incredibleasset,” adds Luciano. The Shops at La Cantera is now hometo an outdoor coffee shop, a concept they created together. “We travelto Europe and get ideas to bring back to the United States,” says Gennaro.To diversify their operations, the brothers opened two locationsin San Antonio; one in the newly designed aesthetic interior of NorthStar Mall and another that reflects the ambience of the downtownRiverwalk at the Marriott Rivercenter. The savory menu specializes inscrumptious delicacies inspired by the foothills of Naples, as well anexpansive array of delectable entrees.
Luciano Neighborhood Pizzeria and Restaurant, featuring NonnaLina’s kitchen, opened in August 2007 at Churchill Estates ShoppingCenter. “We plan that it will become a new business opportunity bythe end of 2008,” says Luciano. The concept is a unique design to SanAntonio: a neighborhood location with great food and outstandingambiance. “It is out of this world,” says Gennaro enthusiastically.
Within the Centofanti Corporation, Gennaro handles the finance,while Luciano focuses on creative marketing. “We complement eachother,” says Gennaro. As a company, the brothers not only utilize thetraditional recipes of their familiar homeland, but they also make sureto include their family in the business, as well. “The family and kids areall part of it,” adds Gennaro.
Centofanti continues to expand its resources throughout the U.S.While patrons marvel at the array of hand–painted art and colorfulscheme of a casual, yet chic, dining experience, Gennaro and Lucianocontinue to receive rave reviews from around the globe. The restaurantwon the prestigious CIAO Award from the Italian Government,as all main ingredients are originally imported from Italy.
“We’re still as excited about the business as we were on the firstday we started,” says Luciano. “It’s a great feeling knowing you’ve createdsomething unique and different, bringing a part of our homelandto San Antonio and sharing it throughout the world!”
Luciano’s excitement resonates with every word. As he explained,great food is not just about taste, it’s also about treating every customerlike family. People, he noted, notice quality and service, so hestrives for excellence at both. As loyal lunch and dinner guests canattest, the restaurant does a great job at fulfilling both qualities.
First time visitors will quickly recognize each restaurant’s welcomingatmosphere. The establishments are lined with a rich paletteof warm colors and authentic Italian decorations. It’s the closest youcan get to Naples without jumping on a plane. Servers are thoughtful,friendly and ready to assist you in selecting a menu item or winefor your meal. This work ethic stems from the proud traditions of theCentofanti family.
Of course, it is not just Luciano and Gennaro working behind thescenes to produce an award–winning dining experience. Their sisterBianca is right there with them, in charge of catering for the full–servicerestaurants. Her work allows the company to offer great mealsin–house and outside to those wanting to share the experience withothers. “She is a great asset to our company,” says Luciano. “She hasbeen here from the very beginning and we are very thankful to her.She is so valuable.”
The close connection the family shares shows through in themanagement of the businesses. Each member is allowed to expresshis or her ideas for the company without fear. This allows the restaurantsto incorporate new ideas that keep the concept fresh and excitingfor all visitors. The latest neighborhood concept is one exampleof the company taking a step forward to give the people what theywant. As Luciano explained, sometimes people want a great meal,but rarely have time with work, kids and other obligations demandingtheir presence. The neighborhood concept offers people the abilityto come in, enjoy a quality meal and leave quickly. It is this typeof foresight that keeps the business going strong. People enjoy beingcatered to and that is exactly what the brothers provide.
As for the future, Luciano is excited about the possibilities. Hewants people to know that he and his family are always in search ofgreat ideas to incorporate into the restaurants. “We travel a lot. We’vetraveled to Europe. We travel to Las Vegas. We do all of this to findout what’s new, what’s fresh. We are exploring new trends. There is alot of things that San Antonio has not seen yet.”
As the Alamo City awaits new surprises, Luciano promises thatthe same level of service that has kept them in business will alwaysbe there. “Our business is about family. When you walk through thatdoor, you are family. That will never change.”
