Gianfranco Marrocco                     Meet the other Owners

 

Gianfranco Marrocco is as savvy and cosmopolitan as his restaurant, Mediterraneo . A native Italian, Gianfranco was born in Cassino, a city between Rome and Naples. In 1970, he journeyed with his parents to the United States to begin a new life. The Marroccos settled down in Providence, Rhode Island, and began to fulfill their dreams.

Gianfranco attended Classical High School, graduated from Johnston High School, and followed in his father's footsteps as a barber. When he was 21, however, he realized his true calling and returned to Italy to work for his uncle in the restaurant business. Learning an appreciation for Italian cooking and tradition, Gianfranco returned to the United States and began to realize his American dream of building a restaurant empire.

The first of Gianfranco's restaurants, Caffe Dolce Vita, opened its doors in 1992. Caffe Dolce Vita was among the first outdoor cafes on Federal Hill, the "Little Italy" of Providence, and it flourishes in DePasquale Plaza.

In 1997, Gianfranco opened his crown jewel, Mediterraneo, also located on Federal Hill. Considered one of the finest, most successful restaurants in Providence, Mediterraneo is known for its eclectic Italian cuisine, premium wine list, superb service, and stylish and vibrant atmosphere. Mediterraneo was the first restaurant on Federal Hill to have French doors open to the sidewalk caffe.

In early 2003 and again in 2004 Mediterraneo received the prestigious honor of the AAA Four Diamond Award. It is the only Four Diamond rated restaurant in Rhode Island.

Most recently, Gianfranco expanded his enterprises. He is also the co-owner of Gepetto's Pizza at DePasquale Plaza. His plans for the future include the first pensione (an Italian bed and breakfast), Villa Dolce Vita, on Federal Hill, scheduled to open in the Fall of 2004.