Interview with Dino Galasso, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
GeJo’s was established in 1968 in Trinidad by Carl and Angelina Galasso. The restaurant was managed by Angelina’s mother, “Granny” Mariano, and was named after her grandsons, Gene and Joe. Our recipes were handed down from “Granny’s” mom, “Nana” Cappelucci, from her kitchen in southern Italy. In the early 1970s, the Galasso family expanded GeJo’s to include several locations in the Denver metro area. Now after 45 years, our family is back. We re-opened GeJo’s Original in February 2011 at one of our favorite locations in Centennial.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
First, we have “Granny’s” secret recipes, but we are also unique in that one of the Galasso family members is here at all times. Second, the food is prepared by the family from scratch. This has been our mission for 45 years. If someone would like to see how delicious our pizza is, try our WeJo happy hour special from 3-6 p.m. daily, which includes a WeJo pizza with up to three toppings, and a choice from our wine, well or draft selection for $8.95. We are the fourth generation, and it won’t be the last.
What do you like best about your line of work?
We have a family tradition, which we bring to GeJo’s each day. We want people to start as customers and become our friends. We want GeJo’s to feel like a home away from home, an oasis in the middle of the neighborhood. The camaraderie is really rewarding. Another neat part of the job is the creativity we can have with food preparations and specialty items. Often we get out in the lounge and have our customers try a new item. They will tell us yes or no.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
We are constantly balancing our family life and our business life, which takes some sacrifices, but is also rewarding. We also strive very hard to maintain our quality with food and service while achieving the profitability needed to open more locations in the future. Our loyal and talented staff really helps us in this regard.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
We take pride in working with groups that would want a special birthday party, holiday affair, business meetings or banquet.
Business:GeJo’s Original Italian Restaurant
Address: 7200 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial
Hours: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 1968
Contact: 303-862-3248,
Employees: 15
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail cwoullard@denverpost.com.
