Successful business leaders know that it takes vision, guts and innovation to start a small business in the good times. That being the case, what must it take to start a small business and make it grow into the 11th largest employer on Galveston Island despite a recession and after a hurricane? If you’d like the answer to that question, drop over to the Mario’s on the Seawall and ask John and Joey Smecca or their partner Danny Hart for the recipe for success: “We just wanted to make authentic, Italian food, said John Smecca”.
The families simple philosophy of always providing a quality product quickly gained popularity once Mario’s on the Seawall opened. And like all good things once their reputation was solid, the business quietly increased into a small family chain that now employs over 200 people. According to the Galveston Economic Development Partnership’s statistics this makes them one of the largest employers in Galveston. It might be mentioned that many of those employees like Chrissy, have been with the Smecca’s the entire time – 30 years+.
Here’s the Timeline:
- 1973 – Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant on 6th and Seawall
- 1995 – Papa’s Pizza at 43rd and Seawall
- 1998 – Saltwater Grill on 20th and Postoffice Street
- 2006 – Sky Bar & Sushi on 21st and Postoffice Street
- 2011 – Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar on FM 646
- 2012 – Nonno Tony’s – Coming this month to Pier 21, a Mitchell Historic Property
- 2012-2013 – Gumbo Diner – near 36th and Seawall
What kind of food could possibly spur this kind of consistent growth? Well, lets go back to basics: quality food at great prices. Mario’s daily $9.99 Lunch Buffet on Seawall is a wonderful example of how to spend your lunch money on “good for you” home cooked dishes rather than waste your hard earned bucks on fast food.
Joey, Tony, & Johnny Smecca
My Visit Diary
- Stage 1 : Hot and Healthy: I was good, and stuck to my diet. I enjoyed slow, simmered chicken in a mild, spice infused sauce, broccoli with just the right level of crunch, green beans and baked herb crusted wedge potatoes.
- Stage 2: Just a little naughty! I was at Mario’s and there was no way to leave pasta covered with their rich Alfredo sauce just sit there. Ravioli with savory cream sauce had to be added, along with a least one traditional meatball with spaghetti and fried Italian Pollack.
- Stage 3: Another 30 minutes of exercise! For a little extra change, I could not leave the building without indulging in the treats calling to me from their freezer case. Their incredible selection of cream based Gelato’s and Sorbetto’s are unique in Galveston. John Smecca explained that it was an “investment” in true Italian authenticity. “All of the ingredients are all natural and come from Italy,” he commented. The freezer case is filled with exotic names like Straccatella, Gianduia, Taramisu and more The selections include an exquisite Red Velvet Cake Gelato, which combines the rich flavor with chunks of red velvet cake – divinely decadent!
The kind of loyalty this level of quality evokes from customers, is certainly one of the reasons this family owned and operated chain has thrived. The Rodger’s family was enjoying lunch on the day of my visit. Gale and Mary Jane admit to being on the doorstep of Mario’s from the day it opened. John Smecca explained that he has one couple that has been driving from Houston to eat at their restaurants every Friday night for years.
This month, “Nonno Tony’s will combine the local success of the GRG with George Mitchell’s Historic contributions to our economy. “Nonno” is actually Italian for Grandfather and it celebrates the Smecca patriarch – Tony Smecca who brought their family “brand” from Italy to our little island. “Paulie’s Bar” will be part of the complex and it’s named after Danny Hart’s Dad. This new contribution to our taste buds and economy will feature Italian, Asian Fusion, Creole and traditional American cuisine.
As we all know, Galvestononians love to complain. These days the 24/7 news reports of recession and depression don’t improve on our mood. However, while we’ve been looking down, the Smecca Family has quietly been looking up! The Galveston Restaurant Group is a true “All-American” success story. It’s a testament to the kind of Texans that stare down the bad times, thumb their noses at hurricanes and move forward!
Contact: GalvestonResturantGroup.com or call (409) 750-8888 for information.
Mario’s Seawall Budget Basics
- Ambiance: Casual and Kid Friendly
- You or Two: Moderately Priced
- Family Group: Moderate to Upper Middle
- Handicapped Access: Elevator, Wheelchair Accessible
- Full Bar
- Free Parking Lot
Marsha Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free-lance writer.
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