By T. Jensen Lacey
The southern village of Fairhope was settled by a small group of Midwesterners, who founded it as a sort of Utopian community. Today, locals and visitors can find their palate’s Utopia by flocking to Fairhope’s famous Italian eatery known as Gambino’s Italian Grill, which is celebrating its 50th year — and it’s been operated by three generations of the same family.
Rick Gambino first opened Gambino’s Italian Grill in 1976. A kind of modern-day Renaissance Man, he’s also been a talented singer and musician (“I sang all over the entire continents of North and South America”), most adept at the piano. He’s a self-made Italian American who started his restaurant with a dream, high hopes, a lot of talent and ambition and little else.
In the year 2020 he penned his autobiography, Never Give Up, which is brimming with stories about his life, his music, his loves and his restaurant.
He writes, “I grew up in a lower middle-class neighborhood, ditched school and got into trouble, like most boys my age. I enlisted in the Army, sang in many groups, got married (Gari), raised a family, opened (and closed) various restaurants, went through a religious conversion, faced bankruptcy and finally ended up where I am today — an ‘overnight success’ that only took 60-plus years to achieve.”
For 50 years, Gambino’s Italian Grill has been more than a restaurant — it’s been a place where multiple generations of families and friends come together and where fond memories are made. Behind it all is Rick Gambino, whose principle of never giving up has guided him through every challenge, whether it’s been recovering after hurricanes, persevering through recessions or riding out the COVID shutdowns.
“Trip Advisor recently named my restaurant, Gambino’s, among the top six restaurants in the nation, among other awards,” Gambino says as he straightens a stack of menus on a table by the entryway. “Around May 9, we’ll be celebrating 50 years. This wouldn’t be possible without our great, long-time customers and loyal staff.” As if on cue, a group of six customers walks through the double doors; Gambino greets each of them by name.
“My very first customer, that May day in 1976, was someone who has since become a long-time friend.” He smiles with the memory. “That was Joe Bullard, and he has had dinner at Gambino’s about once a week since then. He was just in again a couple of days ago.”
Steaks, pasta and more
With a menu of so many choices, some first-time diners struggle with what to order. Some who have been patrons for decades love the eggplant parmigiana. Other long-time diners swear that Gambino’s serves the best steaks. Their traditional Italian dishes include Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Giardino, cannoli and spaghetti with meatballs. They also offer seafood dishes such as steamed mussels and fried crab claws. For those who still can’t make up their minds when it’s time to order, there is a sampler platter called Gambino’s Taste of Italy that is generous enough to share.
Gambino’s has a kids’ menu that includes spaghetti, fried fish, buttered noodles and fried shrimp. For those diners who have saved room for it, Gambino’s serves fantastic desserts, including a wonderful, traditional tiramisu; for many loyal patrons, the one dessert they want is Gambino’s Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce.
Diners enjoy a wonderful view of Mobile Bay as they toast to engagements, job successes, anniversaries, birthdays and other life’s milestones. Many like to come near the time Gambino’s opens and watch the sunset. When the weather is fair, diners can enjoy having their meals in Gambino’s enclosed courtyard, which includes a lovely koi pond. Indoors, Gambino’s piano bar has live entertainment almost every night and karaoke on Tuesday nights.
From his early days to building a thriving business, Rick’s dedication, resilience, and love for his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice (“Remember, Gambino’s was named among the Top Six Restaurants in the Nation!”), Best of the Best in Everyday Eats, recognition as the No. 1 restaurant in Fairhope, and being named one of the Top 10 Wedding Venues in this Utopian village.
“The two other generations in my family to help me run this restaurant are my son Josh and my granddaughter, Maddie,” Gambino says as he stops to speak to diners who are leaving. “Thanks, and come back soon,” he tells them with his signature broad smile.
Josh comes out of the kitchen, mirroring his dad’s smile. “I’ve been in the kitchen for 36 plus years. I’ve been working at Gambino’s for more than 40 years. Dad’s motto has always been, ‘Give our guests better quality for lower prices and make a modest profit.’” He pauses and adds, “Maddie Gambino, my daughter, came on board about eight years ago and is such a natural. She was just made for this business.”
Rick Gambino adds, “The story of this restaurant is still unfolding, and my other sons — Rick, Brett, Adam and Luke — have all been a part of it, as they have all helped out here.” He echoes, “They’ve all been a part of this story, and the best chapters are yet to come.”
Gambino’s Italian Grill
18 Laurel Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532
251-990-0995
Ordergambinos.com
Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
4 to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Happy hour in the bar 3 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
