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Genuine hospitality isn't just a business strategy—it's a way of life for Gino Tiozzo, second-generation owner of Tampa's legendary Donatello Restaurant. In this revealing conversation, Gino shares how a foundation of respect and attentiveness has sustained his family's restaurant for an extraordinary 40 years.

"To sum it up in one word, it's hospitality," Gino explains, crediting his father Guido for teaching him to treat customers as though they were entering their home. This philosophy has created something remarkable in today's transient restaurant landscape—a team where 30% of staff members have served for more than three decades. When staff members have been part of your life since you were 12 years old, as Gino notes, "We become family."

The journey hasn't always been straightforward. Gino candidly discusses his temporary departure from the restaurant to explore other paths, including construction, which taught him valuable humility before returning to work alongside his father. Their relationship evolved from the tensions of a young man wanting to implement changes to a symbiotic partnership built on mutual respect—a process that took nearly a decade.

We explore the balancing act between maintaining beloved traditions (like presenting every woman with a rose upon departure) while staying relevant for new generations. Gino shares captivating stories of hosting Robert Kennedy Jr., NFL legends, and how the restaurant's annual Thanksgiving service provides a Donatello experience to 1,000 people in need, supported by dozens of community volunteers.

Behind the exquisite cuisine lies a deeper connection to Venice, Italy, with original artwork created specifically for the space, hand-applied gold and silver leaf details, and authentic Venetian masks. Through special events like opera nights and Carnival celebrations, Donatello doesn't just serve food—it creates an immersive cultural experience.

Listen in as Gino reveals how focusing on attentiveness and courtesy—qualities we can all apply to our daily lives—creates not just a successful business but a community institution that spans generations. What small gestures might transform your relationships and work? The answers await in this thought-provoking conversation.

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