11/08/2021
To all of our Gusto patrons:
In the words of Berne Brown, “Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can
see but you.” This quote sums up our families’ journey to America. We left our relatives, friends
and belongings behind to seek our American dream. With the grace of God, we landed in Auburn
and opened our very own Italian family restaurant. Opening the doors to this little restaurant
literally opened the doors to so much more than what we imagined.
Owning Gusto’s opened the door to improving our English skills. Placing orders with vendors,
answering the phone, renovating our dining area, and meeting new customers was a non-stop
language acquisition experience. Sometimes we couldn’t understand our customers and
sometimes they couldn’t understand us! So much learning, so many laughs!
Gusto’s opened the door to American culinary customs. Italians desire to linger over meals,
Americans prefer to enjoy a good meal in a short amount of time. Pizza is Italian, but Americans
enjoy pairing it with chicken wings. We learned that peas on pizza isn’t common in America, but
chicken riggies is expected on an Italian menu.
The restaurant opened the door to discovering the opportunities that Auburn offers. We
participated in museum and festival events, catered hotel events, and had many birthday parties
and celebrations at Gusto’s.
The pandemic taught us many things. We realised the loyalty of our patrons. While other
restaurants couldn’t stay open, we continued to do fine. As expected, there was more take out
than in-dining guests, but we remained solvent. Also, we realised the value of our employees.
They were scarce, which pushed us to do more tasks than were possible to accomplish in a day.
Supplies were difficult to obtain, so we had to get creative to figure out how to accommodate our
patrons. It was emotionally and physically draining. But most of all, we missed out on so much
time with our children. Being at the restaurant from morning to late night wasn’t fair to them nor to
us. Our children are our priority and for that reason alone we knew we needed to make a change.
It is with great sadness and great anticipation that on November 20th we will be closing the door to
Gusto’s. We are forever grateful to the community of Auburn and all of our loyal patrons for the
laughs, and friendship you've brought. We part with all of our senses filled: the sight of
happy people in the dining room, the sound of laughter, the feeling of warmth your personalities
brought and the comforting smells wafting from the kitchen. In closing, we look forward to new
opportunities within the community. We don't look at this as a good bye, but more as an opportunity
to get to know all of you more intimately within the community. You have become our friends. For
this we are grateful. “Chi trova un amico, trova uni tesoro.” In english, “he who finds a friend, finds
a treasure.” When the doors of Gusto’s close you will continue to be in our heart.
For now ,come in and anjoy!
