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Roots in the Restaurant Biz

Nanu Gaetano at Giuliano’s in the 70’s

We opened Bettolino Kitchen in 2015, but our story started long before that. Let’s start from the top. My great Grandparents Gaetano and Francis Giuliano founded Giuliano’s Deli in 1959 when my Dad Steve was just 4 years old. My Dad spent his entire childhood working and playing there. He learned so much from his grandparents and parents who spent their lives working away creating a place for the community to get quality Italian food at a reasonable price with great service. Now, almost 70 years later, Giuliano’s in Gardena is the only Giuliano’s that features multiple generations of Frances & Gaetano’s descendants and is owned by our Uncle Paul and Aunt Joanne.

Andreanna, Dori, Steve, Vince at Gaetano’s 1993

I think when you grow up in a business its engrained in your blood and when my Dad got to a certain age he was ready to open up his own place. In 1993 my Dad Steve and Mom Dori rolled the dice and spent their life savings to open their own place, Gaetano’s Restaurant. I was only 8 and my brother Vince was 11 when our parents first opened Gaetano’s.

We went through some hard times in the beginning of Gaetano’s. My Dad passed away a year after we opened, and my mom was left with me and my brother to take care of and a restaurant she didn’t know how to run. I honestly didn’t think Gaetano’s would make it without my dad, but my mom pulled through and with the help of lots of friends, family and the amazing South Bay community, she made it happen. Her hard work and grit during such a dark time in her life was such an inspiration to me and fast forward to 2020 it was the driving force on how we got through all the ups, downs and uncertainty of the pandemic.

Sean & Andreanna at Gaetano’s 2010

My brother Vince and I both went off to college in San Diego and worked in other restaurants while we were away. It was there at my San Diego restaurant job that I met my now husband Sean. Sean was born for this industry. His eye for detail and customer service is unparalleled.

Like I said before, when you grow up in a family business it gets engrained in your blood and no matter what you do, it keeps calling you back. In 2015, my brother Vince, Sean and I opened Bettolino Kitchen together. Our dream was to open a modern California Italian restaurant that gives back to the community that has given back to our family for so many years.

The Liguore Family 2023

Today, Sean and Andreanna own & operate Bettolino Kitchen while Vince focuses his energy on Gaetano’s and his new takeout restaurant Piccini. If you haven’t had a chance to check out some of the other business’s within our family, we highly recommend you give them a chance.

Image of Bettolino Kitchen's dining area

Hours of Operation

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Come experience a modern, but authentic taste of Italy. Reserve your table today!