Giannasca grateful for city’s warm reception
Michael Giannasca said he’s “humbled” by the enthusiastic response from local residents to his new restaurant located at Chelsea Commons, 1100 Revere Beach Parkway.
Giannasca opened Michael’s G’s Restaurant in July and the reception has exceeded expectations, even those of the owner.
“I’m actually surprised and very humbled and grateful to see that business is actually doing as well as it is in the conditions that we’re in,” said Giannasca.
With the seating capacity limited to half due to the state’s social distancing guidelines, there are nights when customers are waiting outside to get a table for one of Michael G’s delicious pasta dishes and pizzas.
The city recently granted Michael G’s restaurant a beer and wine license.
“We’re serving some nice red wines – Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chianti, – and a bunch of varieties of bottled beers – Sam Adams, Budweiser products, Stella Artois, and Pumpkin,” said Giannasca.
Several East Boston residents have followed Giannasca to Michael G’s. Giannasca worked at a family-owned restaurant in Eastie for close to 20 years.
Chelsea residents are supporting the native son in high numbers.
“Chelsea has been phenomenal,” said Giannasca. “The city itself has embraced the restaurant. City Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Department – they’re here constantly. I grew up here so it’s very humbling to see people come out whom I haven’t seen in years – people who knew my family in general.”
One well-known diner has been Chelsea Police Sgt. Joe Bevere Jr., arguably one of the greatest athletes in the city’s history.
“Sgt. Bevere is in all the time,” said Giannasca, who was a high school classmate of Joe’s sister, Jolene Bevere.
Giannasca is hoping that former Drake University All-American punter Joe Bevere Sr. will visit the restaurant.
“Mr. Bevere – and I say that with a lot of respect – was one of my favorite teachers at Williams School,” said Giannasca. “I would love to see Mr. Bevere and talk about all the great memories I have as a kid growing up in Chelsea and attending Williams School.”