Gilardi's sells to former employee

Last edited 1:56 p.m., March 7, 2013

Longtime Walnut Street establishment Gilardi's Ristorante has sold to a former employee.

Nicola Gilardi, who founded the 820 E. Walnut St. restaurant in 1998, closed on the sale Feb. 13 to James Martin for an undisclosed price.

Martin, who has served in the restaurant industry for about 20 years, said he worked as a part of Gilardi's staff near the time it opened, and most recently, was employed by Gilardi as a server at his east-side restaurant, Nicola's Ristorante.

Gilardi said he sold his center city restaurant to spend more time with his family and focus on his 3631 E. Sunshine St. eatery, Nicola's. "Life is too short," he said.

Martin said other than updating the menu to include lighter dishes, he is planning little change at Gilardi's. He noted he wanted to retain the atmosphere known to the restaurant's customers, as well as its signature dishes.

"Nothing matters more to me than the food. Food is king in this business. That was Nicola Gilardi's tradition," Martin said, adding he has wanted to own a restaurant for 10 years, and Gilardi's represented his chance. "This has been my dream."

Martin said he employs about 15 at the restaurant, and almost all staff members were retained in the transition, including head chef Ramon Barrios. He noted Aaron Rosario, former sous-chef at Nonna's Italian American Cafe downtown, has been hired as sous-chef for Gilardi's.[[In-content Ad]]