Giusti’s was opened by my grandfather in 1912 when he immigrated to Walnut Grove from Italy. We have been here more than 100 years! At the time it was a general store, toll station for the ferry and ad-hoc restaurant – mainly catering to local workers, friends and some other guests when they would gather. It wasn’t until many years later that they actually started charging people for their food and service!
My parents took over the day-to-day operations in the late 40’s and expanded the business clientele well outside of our little community. Soon celebrities were visiting for our famous food and drinks. Our walls are covered with autographs and sentiments from people who love our location, food and family. The Monday after Easter, my family and close friends got together for a “Little Easter” celebration in the restaurant – complete with a legendary selection of Italian food and wine! When I returned home from college in 1972, I took over the operations. My three children are all part of the business as well.
My family is a big part of this community. Our restaurant and bar is the oldest on the Delta and we attract visitors from far and wide. In the winter months we keep the locals fed but in the summer our place attracts visitors that are out on the water boating, skiing and enjoying the unique culture that is the Delta.
We source a lot of our ingredients from local farmers, as well as count on them for business. This tunnel project will greatly impact not only our local food source, but our clients. People come here because nothing has changed. This delta is the largest estuary on the west coast – leave it alone. Preserve our way of life and the beauty surrounding us.