Gymea restaurateur Rocky Pitarelli has taken on a new challenge.
In May this year, he bought the well-known Caruso’s business and reopened the restaurant at the corner of Kingsway and Gymea Bay Road.
For many years, Caruso’s was one of the most popular eateries in Sutherland Shire before a gradual decline in patronage, leading to closure early this year.
Not content with trying to build the Caruso’s business during the bleak winter period, Mr Pitarelli has taken over adjoining Lazona Bar and Grill and is out to attract diners with a taste for American soul food.
The Texas style barbecue menu includes ribs, smoked brisket, pork belly, hush puppies, tacos and southern fried chicken wings.
Head chef is Joseph Galuvao, who has spent the last two years in the US serving up this type of cuisine.
The name of the restaurant remains even though the menu has changed,.
Mr Pitarelli said it had provided more choice for diners at Gymea.
He said Caruso’s, at which he was head chef from 1999 to 2006, was “going well”.
”Coming out of winter, it’s been a bit quiet, but people are liking it more and more,” he said.
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