For nearly 50 years, Gaetano’s Restaurant has been a San Diego institution, known for its family-run charm and hand-tossed pizzas.
Currently, the pizzeria in California is facing a precarious future due to financial difficulties that may force it to shut down just before celebrating its 50th anniversary on November 17.
Established in 1974 by Petros Provataris, a former Greek Navy member who relocated to San Diego, Gaetano’s has always been a family-managed business. Provataris, known to patrons simply as Peter, still actively participates in the restaurant’s operations, personally making pizzas and preserving its legacy.
‘I grew up in this restaurant, and I am eager to maintain what my dad has started. However, given the recent economic challenges, I’m uncertain if we can continue operations,’ expressed Nota Provataris, Peter’s daughter.
Rising costs, inflation, and concerns about a recession have affected customer spending.
(‘My dad has worked so hard for 50 years to be here. It’s our life, Gaetano’s is our life,’ Nota said.
Shelley Denicholas, the lead waitress, mentioned to ABC 10 News: ‘Customers cherish Peter. He personally crafts their pizzas, which deeply resonates with them. Generations of families have dined here, emphasizing its familial essence.’
The family is continuing to operate Gaetano’s for as long as they can. Nota’s three-year-old son is even learning how to make pizza.
Nota Provataris and her father Petros believe they will be forced to shutter Gaetano’s Restaurant
Gaetano’s has been operating in California for nearly 50 years
Over the decades, Gaetano’s has supported local schools, sports programs, and churches, even while navigating financial pressures.
Social media has seen an outpouring of support, with longtime customers planning visits and sharing memories.
‘My family has been going here for years. We have so many memories of this great restaurant,’ a Facebook user wrote.
‘Gaetano’s was my father’s preferred Italian restaurant. The family displayed incredible compassion when they catered my father’s funeral reception earlier this year. I truly hope they find a way to remain operational.’
Others were ‘sorry’ to hear about the closure — suggesting the restaurant set up a GoFundMe to save the business from going under.
‘The final Anthony’s Fish Grotto in La Mesa had faced closure years ago. The community rallied, declaring “Don’t do it! We’ll back you!”‘ a supporter remarked on another post.
‘It worked and it is still open and thriving. Please, let’s do the same for Gaetano’s in Tierrasanta!.’
While Gaetano’s is on the chopping block, multiple restaurants have already shuttered — including Firenze’s Restaurant & Pizzeria.
Petros, known to customers as ‘Peter,’ still works at Gaetano’s
The restaurant has supported local schools, sports programs, and churches
Firenze’s shuttered after 61 years in June after Gordon Ramsay stopped by for food. The establishment has not revealed to reason behind the closure.
Oscar’s Taco House closed days later to make way for a new bridge in Texas. The business had been successful for 63 years prior to its shutter.
Hector’s Cafe shuttered in July after failing to recover from the pandemic and changes in the Meatpacking District.
The 76-year-old restaurant was famous for its scrumptious food and frequented by crew members from Law & Order.
Less than two weeks after Hector’s shut down, Las Cuatro Milpas announced its plans to close later this year.
The 92-year-old Mexican restaurant put its property up for sale for nearly $2 million — but its not planning to sell the business itself.
Gaetano’s has declined to comment any further about its potential closure.
