Owner Frank Spaccarelli Reflects On Lessons From His Father
The restaurant industry presents a blend of challenges, stress, and rewards.
For example, as Frank Spaccarelli, owner of Pacino’s Italian Grill and Bar, planned for his restaurant’s recent anniversary celebration, he experienced both pleasure and gratitude. The live music was secured, the menu planned, and raffle tickets and prizes were in place.
It was a time for expressing thanks for all patrons — new and old. Celebrations like these bring smiles to his face and to those who frequent his establishment. And, what a perfect reason to throw a party! However, amidst the anticipation of celebration, the reality of life and death cast its shadow.
Recently, Frank lost his 95-year-old father, Angelo Spaccarelli, prompting him to reflect on a more somber time and some of the valuable lessons he learned from his dad.
Frank’s father, Angelo, had an upbringing marked by poverty — a family of six boys and one girl sharing a tiny home in the Bronx, New York. Italian immigrants, looking to find their way in our country, depended on each other for support.
Angelo’s parents raised their children without luxuries: no heat, no hot water, with just a single bath in the tiny New York home. Survival meant boiling water for warmth of the steam, raising chickens for nourishment, utilizing every part of the bird, even turning the chicken’s features into hand-sewn pillows. It was an era of modest resilience.
A generation later, Angelo instilled values of a simple upbringing in his own children through nightly conversations around the dinner table. Frank and his siblings gained respect for their simple father, appreciating his provider role and their humble lifestyle. They were taught old-school principles — taking care of things, encouragement, and maintaining a solid mindset, especially during uncertain times.
Today, Frank carries forward his father’s legacy and the lessons learned during his years as a young boy, a teen, and a man. His journey from New York to California in 1985, diving into the restaurant business, was no easy feat. Perhaps the encouragement he received from his father sustained him during the early days at a pizzeria and guided his steps toward becoming the owner of a popular establishment here in Northeast Mesa.
Currently, Frank recalls, “Life is significantly different now. Our instant gratification and fast-paced society have really diminished the memory of lessons learned in a simpler time.”
In the meantime, Frank had the opportunity to reflect on some of those simple lessons from his past. His father’s legacy can be seen in Frank’s smile, when he shares conversations with those seated, enjoying meals and celebrations, at the tables at Pacino’s Italian Grill and Bar.
For more information, call (480) 985-0114, or visit the website pacinositalian.com. Follow them on Facebook.com/ MesaPacinos. The restaurant is located in The Village at Las Sendas, 2831 N. Power Road, Suite 104, in Mesa.