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In the 1980s Gino's was one of the restaurants by which, the Capital Times wrote in 1985, "all other Madison pizzas are judged"<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. The State Journal's fall dining guides of 1984–86 called it "Excellent Italian food. Try their famous stuffed pizza" and "Renowned Italian menu with superb stuffed pizza and lasagna", open from 11 a.m. (4 p.m. Sundays) to 12:30 a.m.<ref name="wsj-1984-10-07-p258">(1984, October 7). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1984." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 258. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402306037/ 402306037].</ref><ref name="wsj-1985-10-06-p128">(1985, October 6). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1985." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 128. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401397157/ 401397157].</ref><ref name="wsj-1986-10-05-p164">(1986, October 5). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1986." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 164. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/405302404/ 405302404].</ref>. Jacob Stockinger reviewed it for the Capital Times in October 1986: "a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years", with an unusual upstairs bar, Old Friends, open since 1980. The stuffed pizza, which "won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison", was sold by the slice from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., broccoli or sausage, for $2<ref name="ct-1986-10-04-p18">Stockinger, J. (1986, October 4). Dining Out review of Gino's, 540 State St.: 'a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years'; upstairs bar 'Old Friends' open since 1980; the stuffed pizza 'won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison' and so…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 18. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521657896/ 521657896].</ref>. Muriel LaRose wrote about its delivery service in February 1988: free with a $7.95 minimum, from a delivery truck, until 12:30 a.m.; the "trademark Stuffed Pizza" came in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes for $3.95 to $13.65, and a $2 slice fed two<ref name="ct-1988-02-06-p33">LaRose, M. (1988, February 6). "Gino's treat unglues sports fan from tube." ''The Capital Times''. p. 33. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522575257/ 522575257], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522575265/ 522575265].</ref>. Karen Prager told its history in June 1989<ref name="ct-1989-06-03-p8">Prager, K. (1989, June 3). "Gino's ambience outdoes cuisine." ''The Capital Times''. p. 8. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/520013885/ 520013885].</ref>.
In the 1980s Gino's was one of the restaurants by which, the Capital Times wrote in 1985, "all other Madison pizzas are judged"<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. The State Journal's fall dining guides of 1984–86 called it "Excellent Italian food. Try their famous stuffed pizza" and "Renowned Italian menu with superb stuffed pizza and lasagna", open from 11 a.m. (4 p.m. Sundays) to 12:30 a.m.<ref name="wsj-1984-10-07-p258">(1984, October 7). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1984." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 258. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402306037/ 402306037].</ref><ref name="wsj-1985-10-06-p128">(1985, October 6). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1985." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 128. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401397157/ 401397157].</ref><ref name="wsj-1986-10-05-p164">(1986, October 5). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1986." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 164. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/405302404/ 405302404].</ref>. Jacob Stockinger reviewed it for the Capital Times in October 1986: "a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years", with an unusual upstairs bar, Old Friends, open since 1980. The stuffed pizza, which "won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison", was sold by the slice from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., broccoli or sausage, for $2<ref name="ct-1986-10-04-p18">Stockinger, J. (1986, October 4). Dining Out review of Gino's, 540 State St.: 'a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years'; upstairs bar 'Old Friends' open since 1980; the stuffed pizza 'won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison' and so…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 18. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521657896/ 521657896].</ref>. Muriel LaRose wrote about its delivery service in February 1988: free with a $7.95 minimum, from a delivery truck, until 12:30 a.m.; the "trademark Stuffed Pizza" came in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes for $3.95 to $13.65, and a $2 slice fed two<ref name="ct-1988-02-06-p33">LaRose, M. (1988, February 6). "Gino's treat unglues sports fan from tube." ''The Capital Times''. p. 33. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522575257/ 522575257], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522575265/ 522575265].</ref>. Karen Prager told its history in June 1989<ref name="ct-1989-06-03-p8">Prager, K. (1989, June 3). "Gino's ambience outdoes cuisine." ''The Capital Times''. p. 8. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/520013885/ 520013885].</ref>.
In 1973 it offered "18 down-home (Italy, that is) pizza varieties, each one cooked to your order under Gino's finicky eye", with Michelob on draught and free campus delivery<ref name="dc-1973-05-07-p5">(1973, May 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ASSKB6H447GHRM9B/pages/ATFMVIJ2CV2Q6G8Y Advertisements for Gino's and for the grand opening of Pizza on Wheels, Soupcon, 112 King St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 5.</ref>.


In 1995 the license was held by Gargano Brothers, Inc., with Stella Gargano as agent, and in 1996 with Virginio Gargano<ref name="ct-1995-05-25-p20">(1995, May 25). City of Madison license list, May 1995. ''The Capital Times''. p. 20. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521522538/ 521522538]. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.</ref><ref name="ct-1996-05-27-p5">(1996, May 27). City of Madison license list, May 1996. ''The Capital Times''. p. 5. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522631770/ 522631770]. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.</ref>, and the State Journal's student guide called Gino's "famous for its pizza", with the continental La Scala upstairs<ref name="wsj-1995-08-16-p59">(1995, August 16). "Student dining guide 1995: Pizza." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 59. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404412582/ 404412582], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522634426/ 522634426].</ref>. In 2000 and 2001 Gino's advertised "Call ahead & we'll have your Stuffed Pizza ready for pick up!" — one hour's preparation<ref name="ct-2000-04-06-p61">(2000, April 6). Gino's advertisement: call ahead for stuffed pizza, 540 State St. ''The Capital Times''. p. 61. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522236673/ 522236673].</ref> — and when cheese hit $1.72 a pound in 2001 Gino Gargano shrugged: "We are losing money on the cheese … but what you gonna do?"<ref name="ct-2001-09-05-p1">Ivey, M. (2001, September 5). "Eating up profits: Cheese prices hurt pizza places." ''The Capital Times''. p. 1. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522189987/ 522189987], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522189987/ 522189987], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522190014/ 522190014].</ref> The Daily Cardinal called it "the oldest restaurant on State Street" in 2002<ref name="dc-2002-06-06-state-street">Jones, J. (2002, June 6). [https://madison.com/daily-cardinal/news/article_1e1fc750-642a-5758-a10b-5e172f931b92.html "State Street eateries: so many choices, and something for everyone."] ''The Daily Cardinal''.</ref>, and a Badger Herald review for the 40th birthday in 2003 described the dark panelling, black ceiling and stained-glass bar, pizzas made to order in 45 minutes, a stuffed-crust slice-and-soup lunch special for $4.99 and delivery from 11 a.m.<ref name="bh-2003-11-17-ginos">Roberts, a. (2003, November 17). [https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2003/11/17/ginos-a-hidden-treas/ "Gino's: A hidden treasure of pizza and pasta."] ''The Badger Herald''.</ref>
In 1995 the license was held by Gargano Brothers, Inc., with Stella Gargano as agent, and in 1996 with Virginio Gargano<ref name="ct-1995-05-25-p20">(1995, May 25). City of Madison license list, May 1995. ''The Capital Times''. p. 20. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521522538/ 521522538]. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.</ref><ref name="ct-1996-05-27-p5">(1996, May 27). City of Madison license list, May 1996. ''The Capital Times''. p. 5. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522631770/ 522631770]. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.</ref>, and the State Journal's student guide called Gino's "famous for its pizza", with the continental La Scala upstairs<ref name="wsj-1995-08-16-p59">(1995, August 16). "Student dining guide 1995: Pizza." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 59. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404412582/ 404412582], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522634426/ 522634426].</ref>. In 2000 and 2001 Gino's advertised "Call ahead & we'll have your Stuffed Pizza ready for pick up!" — one hour's preparation<ref name="ct-2000-04-06-p61">(2000, April 6). Gino's advertisement: call ahead for stuffed pizza, 540 State St. ''The Capital Times''. p. 61. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522236673/ 522236673].</ref> — and when cheese hit $1.72 a pound in 2001 Gino Gargano shrugged: "We are losing money on the cheese … but what you gonna do?"<ref name="ct-2001-09-05-p1">Ivey, M. (2001, September 5). "Eating up profits: Cheese prices hurt pizza places." ''The Capital Times''. p. 1. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522189987/ 522189987], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522189987/ 522189987], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522190014/ 522190014].</ref> The Daily Cardinal called it "the oldest restaurant on State Street" in 2002<ref name="dc-2002-06-06-state-street">Jones, J. (2002, June 6). [https://madison.com/daily-cardinal/news/article_1e1fc750-642a-5758-a10b-5e172f931b92.html "State Street eateries: so many choices, and something for everyone."] ''The Daily Cardinal''.</ref>, and a Badger Herald review for the 40th birthday in 2003 described the dark panelling, black ceiling and stained-glass bar, pizzas made to order in 45 minutes, a stuffed-crust slice-and-soup lunch special for $4.99 and delivery from 11 a.m.<ref name="bh-2003-11-17-ginos">Roberts, a. (2003, November 17). [https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2003/11/17/ginos-a-hidden-treas/ "Gino's: A hidden treasure of pizza and pasta."] ''The Badger Herald''.</ref>
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A 2005 profile of Peppino Gargano said Gino's "has fed generations of hungry students and is still going strong", and that old-timers remembered the deep-dish pizza at Gargano's, run by Biagio<ref name="mc-2005-11-24-peppino">Evans, G. (2005, November 24). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_86292fe8-dfdc-5370-9ff1-fd56167e8633.html "Peppino won't boast, but he certainly could."] ''madison.com''.</ref>. In 2006 Gino, "fussy with my food", was in the kitchen most nights and hosted on Saturdays in a sport coat and tie; the manager was Wasie Amiri, the first menu hung in a case by the door, and about 150 customers came a day. He also owned two Gino's Delis in the Madison area<ref name="mc-2006-04-27-ginos-classic">Evans, G. (2006, April 27). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_35ea79fb-d67b-5c25-914d-18921705da89.html "Gino's qualifies as classic with food, ambience."] ''madison.com''.</ref><ref name="mc-2006-12-16-ginos-profile">Thompson, E. (2006, December 16). [https://madison.com/business/article_5571db72-9172-5da6-9e82-aead26f9cb8f.html "Gino's, a warm Italian eatery."] ''madison.com''.</ref>. The 2008 State Journal history of Madison pizza marked his 45th year and told how his uncle Carlo Caputo, a grocer on the 600 block of State Street, had brought the three brothers to Madison and opened Carlo's, a pizza place on the Capitol Square, in 1955; Gino's wife Estrella said he would not change for the chains: "People come in here and request the booth where they had a first date 20 years ago"<ref name="mc-2008-05-28-through-thick-and-thin">Wegner, A. N. (2008, May 28). [https://madison.com/lifestyles/article_5dd95b69-95b3-518b-95aa-95dcb51fd35f.html "Through thick and thin: Madison's pizzerias have come a long way from their humble start on Spaghetti Corner."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.
A 2005 profile of Peppino Gargano said Gino's "has fed generations of hungry students and is still going strong", and that old-timers remembered the deep-dish pizza at Gargano's, run by Biagio<ref name="mc-2005-11-24-peppino">Evans, G. (2005, November 24). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_86292fe8-dfdc-5370-9ff1-fd56167e8633.html "Peppino won't boast, but he certainly could."] ''madison.com''.</ref>. In 2006 Gino, "fussy with my food", was in the kitchen most nights and hosted on Saturdays in a sport coat and tie; the manager was Wasie Amiri, the first menu hung in a case by the door, and about 150 customers came a day. He also owned two Gino's Delis in the Madison area<ref name="mc-2006-04-27-ginos-classic">Evans, G. (2006, April 27). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_35ea79fb-d67b-5c25-914d-18921705da89.html "Gino's qualifies as classic with food, ambience."] ''madison.com''.</ref><ref name="mc-2006-12-16-ginos-profile">Thompson, E. (2006, December 16). [https://madison.com/business/article_5571db72-9172-5da6-9e82-aead26f9cb8f.html "Gino's, a warm Italian eatery."] ''madison.com''.</ref>. The 2008 State Journal history of Madison pizza marked his 45th year and told how his uncle Carlo Caputo, a grocer on the 600 block of State Street, had brought the three brothers to Madison and opened Carlo's, a pizza place on the Capitol Square, in 1955; Gino's wife Estrella said he would not change for the chains: "People come in here and request the booth where they had a first date 20 years ago"<ref name="mc-2008-05-28-through-thick-and-thin">Wegner, A. N. (2008, May 28). [https://madison.com/lifestyles/article_5dd95b69-95b3-518b-95aa-95dcb51fd35f.html "Through thick and thin: Madison's pizzerias have come a long way from their humble start on Spaghetti Corner."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.


In 2010 and 2011 Gino's advertised stuffed pizzas by the number of slices — a small for two or three people was $11.95 — with delivery and a party room for 100<ref name="ct-2010-04-08-p10" /><ref name="ct-2011-03-03-p7">(2011, March 3). Gino's advertisement: buy one pizza, get the second free, pick-up and delivery. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522560169/ 522560169].</ref>. In June 2013 it reopened for lunch after a remodel that added a full-service bar<ref name="ct-2013-06-20-p2">(2013, June 20). Gino's advertisement: "Reopen for Lunch! June 17th" in the remodeled restaurant with a full bar. ''The Capital Times''. p. 2. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521044916/ 521044916].</ref>, and on July 5, 2013, Mayor Soglin declared "Gino's Restaurant Day" for its 50th anniversary; about 20 members of the Gargano family had worked there<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50" />. A 2020 account said it had closed in 2013; the closing itself has not been found in the newspapers.
In 2010 and 2011 Gino's advertised stuffed pizzas by the number of slices — a small for two or three people was $11.95 — with delivery and a party room for 100<ref name="ct-2010-04-08-p10" /><ref name="ct-2011-03-03-p7">(2011, March 3). Gino's advertisement: buy one pizza, get the second free, pick-up and delivery. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522560169/ 522560169].</ref>. In June 2013 it reopened for lunch after a remodel that added a full-service bar<ref name="ct-2013-06-20-p2">(2013, June 20). Gino's advertisement: "Reopen for Lunch! June 17th" in the remodeled restaurant with a full bar. ''The Capital Times''. p. 2. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521044916/ 521044916].</ref>, and on July 5, 2013, Mayor Soglin declared "Gino's Restaurant Day" for its 50th anniversary; about 20 members of the Gargano family had worked there<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50" />. Gino's closed on Halloween, October 31, 2013, when Gino Gargano retired after half a century; the upstairs space was to go to Kabul<ref name="isthmus-2013-11-05-madland-state-street">Knutsen, K. (2013, November 5). [https://isthmus.com/opinion/madland/madland-state-streets-changing-place-in-madison/ "Madland: State Street's changing place in Madison."] ''Isthmus''.</ref>.


==Pizza==
==Pizza==
* "Stuffed Pizza — The Rage of Chicago! Now at Gino's!" ran the 1980 Yellow Pages ad, with two delivery numbers<ref name="yp-1980-p448">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 448: listings Pizza Hut (811 Fern Dr. 238-7361; 4709 Verona Rd. 271-7151; 3059 E. Washington Ave. 249-6439; 2405 S. Park 257-8621) a…. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 448.</ref>. The directory's location guide placed Gino's "below Peppino's Restaurant" at 540 State St., with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, dinners and "special discounts on carry outs"<ref name="yp-1980-p450">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 450: listings Rocky Rococo Pan Style Pizza and Pasta (411 W. Gilman 256-0600, 1618 W. Beltline Hwy. 251-0304, 651 State, 694 S. Whit…. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 450.</ref>.
* "Stuffed Pizza — The Rage of Chicago! Now at Gino's!" ran the 1980 Yellow Pages ad, with two delivery numbers<ref name="yp-1980-p448">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 448: listings Pizza Hut (811 Fern Dr. 238-7361; 4709 Verona Rd. 271-7151; 3059 E. Washington Ave. 249-6439; 2405 S. Park 257-8621) a…. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 448.</ref>. The directory's location guide placed Gino's "below Peppino's Restaurant" at 540 State St., with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, dinners and "special discounts on carry outs"<ref name="yp-1980-p450">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 450: listings Rocky Rococo Pan Style Pizza and Pasta (411 W. Gilman 256-0600, 1618 W. Beltline Hwy. 251-0304, 651 State, 694 S. Whit…. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 450.</ref>.
* Gino's introduced its stuffed pizza in the winter of 1978–79 and registered the name "Stuffed Pizza®". A 1979 advertorial says the owners first heard of the new Chicago pizza from a relative at Northwestern, tried it at two Chicago restaurants, experimented with dough and sauces, and held a "Stuffed Pizza Snow Party" during a January blizzard before a preview for customers: a crust top and bottom, cheese under the top crust and sauce on top, baked "in a rimmed pan like a cake", in three sizes<ref name="ct-1979-02-22-p56">(1979, February 22). Gino's "Stuffed Pizza®" advertisement. ''The Capital Times''. p. 56. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/520029613/ 520029613].</ref><ref name="ct-1979-05-17-p81">(1979, May 17). "That's a Pizza?" ''The Capital Times''. p. 81. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519894785/ 519894785]. Sponsored content.</ref>.
* "Gargano was the first to serve stuffed pizza in Madison," the Capital Times wrote in 2006; it took 45 to 65 minutes to bake, so customers were told to call ahead, and a 10-inch cost $10.95 to $14.75. The thin-crust Napoli — tomatoes, anchovies, basil and mozzarella — was a big seller<ref name="mc-2006-04-27-ginos-classic" />. A student reviewer found the stuffed pizza "less greasy and more cheesy" than Chicago deep dish, with a crust like a pie shell<ref name="dc-2006-09-27-ginos">Barden, L. (2006, September 27). [https://madison.com/daily-cardinal/news/article_3accae19-d92b-5942-bab4-d6a884e0f78e.html "Pizza, service keep Gino's around town."] ''The Daily Cardinal''.</ref>.
* "Gargano was the first to serve stuffed pizza in Madison," the Capital Times wrote in 2006; it took 45 to 65 minutes to bake, so customers were told to call ahead, and a 10-inch cost $10.95 to $14.75. The thin-crust Napoli — tomatoes, anchovies, basil and mozzarella — was a big seller<ref name="mc-2006-04-27-ginos-classic" />. A student reviewer found the stuffed pizza "less greasy and more cheesy" than Chicago deep dish, with a crust like a pie shell<ref name="dc-2006-09-27-ginos">Barden, L. (2006, September 27). [https://madison.com/daily-cardinal/news/article_3accae19-d92b-5942-bab4-d6a884e0f78e.html "Pizza, service keep Gino's around town."] ''The Daily Cardinal''.</ref>.


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==See also==
==See also==
* [[Frozen pizza]]
* [[Gargano’s Pizzeria]]
* [[Gargano’s Pizzeria]]
* [[Item:Q989|Gino's in the Madison Pizza Wiki database]]
* [[Item:Q989|Gino's in the Madison Pizza Wiki database]]

Latest revision as of 02:36, 29 October 2026

Gino's was an Italian restaurant on State St., opened on July 5, 1963, by Virginio "Gino" Gargano. It called itself "The Original since 1963" and was known for stuffed pizza[1][2].

History

Gino Gargano came from a Sicilian lemon-growing family. His brother Biagio Gargano had arrived in 1960 and by 1962 had a pizzeria, Guiseppe's, near Randall and University avenues, which became Gargano's on State Street. Gino's opened in 1963 across State Street from its later home and moved to 540 State St. in 1967; its first waitress there, Nancy Nusbaum, later became mayor of De Pere. A third brother, Giuseppe "Peppino" Gargano, opened the first Peppino's in 1974 in Gino's former living quarters upstairs; Peppino's later moved to University Avenue in Middleton and then to South Hamilton Street, and closed on December 23, 2009[1][3].

Gino's first restaurant was at 535 State St. In February 1967 the Capital Times reported that "Gargano's Pizza Parlor, 535 State St." had had the hotbox and pizzas stolen from two of its delivery trucks in one night[4]. In the 1975 license list the restaurant at 540 State St. was held by Gargano Brothers, Inc.[5] Gino's won the Daily Cardinal's third pizza contest in December 1973, judged on crust, sausage and cheese[6]; see Daily Cardinal pizza contests.

In the 1980s Gino's was one of the restaurants by which, the Capital Times wrote in 1985, "all other Madison pizzas are judged"[7]. The State Journal's fall dining guides of 1984–86 called it "Excellent Italian food. Try their famous stuffed pizza" and "Renowned Italian menu with superb stuffed pizza and lasagna", open from 11 a.m. (4 p.m. Sundays) to 12:30 a.m.[8][9][10]. Jacob Stockinger reviewed it for the Capital Times in October 1986: "a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years", with an unusual upstairs bar, Old Friends, open since 1980. The stuffed pizza, which "won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison", was sold by the slice from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., broccoli or sausage, for $2[11]. Muriel LaRose wrote about its delivery service in February 1988: free with a $7.95 minimum, from a delivery truck, until 12:30 a.m.; the "trademark Stuffed Pizza" came in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes for $3.95 to $13.65, and a $2 slice fed two[12]. Karen Prager told its history in June 1989[13].

In 1973 it offered "18 down-home (Italy, that is) pizza varieties, each one cooked to your order under Gino's finicky eye", with Michelob on draught and free campus delivery[14].

In 1995 the license was held by Gargano Brothers, Inc., with Stella Gargano as agent, and in 1996 with Virginio Gargano[15][16], and the State Journal's student guide called Gino's "famous for its pizza", with the continental La Scala upstairs[17]. In 2000 and 2001 Gino's advertised "Call ahead & we'll have your Stuffed Pizza ready for pick up!" — one hour's preparation[18] — and when cheese hit $1.72 a pound in 2001 Gino Gargano shrugged: "We are losing money on the cheese … but what you gonna do?"[19] The Daily Cardinal called it "the oldest restaurant on State Street" in 2002[20], and a Badger Herald review for the 40th birthday in 2003 described the dark panelling, black ceiling and stained-glass bar, pizzas made to order in 45 minutes, a stuffed-crust slice-and-soup lunch special for $4.99 and delivery from 11 a.m.[21]

A 2005 profile of Peppino Gargano said Gino's "has fed generations of hungry students and is still going strong", and that old-timers remembered the deep-dish pizza at Gargano's, run by Biagio[22]. In 2006 Gino, "fussy with my food", was in the kitchen most nights and hosted on Saturdays in a sport coat and tie; the manager was Wasie Amiri, the first menu hung in a case by the door, and about 150 customers came a day. He also owned two Gino's Delis in the Madison area[23][24]. The 2008 State Journal history of Madison pizza marked his 45th year and told how his uncle Carlo Caputo, a grocer on the 600 block of State Street, had brought the three brothers to Madison and opened Carlo's, a pizza place on the Capitol Square, in 1955; Gino's wife Estrella said he would not change for the chains: "People come in here and request the booth where they had a first date 20 years ago"[25].

In 2010 and 2011 Gino's advertised stuffed pizzas by the number of slices — a small for two or three people was $11.95 — with delivery and a party room for 100[2][26]. In June 2013 it reopened for lunch after a remodel that added a full-service bar[27], and on July 5, 2013, Mayor Soglin declared "Gino's Restaurant Day" for its 50th anniversary; about 20 members of the Gargano family had worked there[1]. Gino's closed on Halloween, October 31, 2013, when Gino Gargano retired after half a century; the upstairs space was to go to Kabul[28].

Pizza

  • "Stuffed Pizza — The Rage of Chicago! Now at Gino's!" ran the 1980 Yellow Pages ad, with two delivery numbers[29]. The directory's location guide placed Gino's "below Peppino's Restaurant" at 540 State St., with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, dinners and "special discounts on carry outs"[30].
  • Gino's introduced its stuffed pizza in the winter of 1978–79 and registered the name "Stuffed Pizza®". A 1979 advertorial says the owners first heard of the new Chicago pizza from a relative at Northwestern, tried it at two Chicago restaurants, experimented with dough and sauces, and held a "Stuffed Pizza Snow Party" during a January blizzard before a preview for customers: a crust top and bottom, cheese under the top crust and sauce on top, baked "in a rimmed pan like a cake", in three sizes[31][32].
  • "Gargano was the first to serve stuffed pizza in Madison," the Capital Times wrote in 2006; it took 45 to 65 minutes to bake, so customers were told to call ahead, and a 10-inch cost $10.95 to $14.75. The thin-crust Napoli — tomatoes, anchovies, basil and mozzarella — was a big seller[23]. A student reviewer found the stuffed pizza "less greasy and more cheesy" than Chicago deep dish, with a crust like a pie shell[33].

Trivia

  • Gino Gargano told a reporter he served Madison's first stuffed pizza in the 1970s[34], and said the same in 2013[1].
  • The 1995 Yellow Pages ad, "5 blocks from the Capital", listed stuffed pizza, fettucine Alfredo and veal Romano with free delivery, open seven days until 12:30 a.m., and La Provenzale upstairs "under same ownership"[35].
  • Joe Brusca, who sold pizza supplies around Madison, named Gino's among his early customers[36].

Locations

  • 540 State St. (1967 to about 2013).
  • State Street, across from 540 (July 5, 1963, to 1967).

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Moe, D. (2013, July 5). "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50." madison.com.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 (2010, April 8). Gino's "Stuffed Pizza Special" advertisement: "The Original since 1963". The Capital Times. p. 10. Newspapers.com image 522587351.
  3. ↑ Martell, C. (2010, January 1). "Peppino's now closed, but the stories -- and recipes -- live on." madison.com.
  4. ↑ (1967, February 3). "Pizza Truck Looter Gets Pies, Heater." The Capital Times. p. 1. Newspapers.com image 520021410.
  5. ↑ (1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. Wisconsin State Journal. p. 35.
  6. ↑ Staff, A. S. M. o. t. C. (1973, December 7). "As the pizza turns..." The Daily Cardinal. p. 21.
  7. ↑ Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." The Capital Times. p. 14. Newspapers.com image 519961462.
  8. ↑ (1984, October 7). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1984." Wisconsin State Journal. p. 258. Newspapers.com image 402306037.
  9. ↑ (1985, October 6). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1985." Wisconsin State Journal. p. 128. Newspapers.com image 401397157.
  10. ↑ (1986, October 5). "Madison Area Dining Guide, Fall 1986." Wisconsin State Journal. p. 164. Newspapers.com image 405302404.
  11. ↑ Stockinger, J. (1986, October 4). Dining Out review of Gino's, 540 State St.: 'a favorite haunt in Madison's student quarter for 19 years'; upstairs bar 'Old Friends' open since 1980; the stuffed pizza 'won a local reader poll for the Best of Madison' and so…. The Capital Times. p. 18. Newspapers.com image 521657896.
  12. ↑ LaRose, M. (1988, February 6). "Gino's treat unglues sports fan from tube." The Capital Times. p. 33. Newspapers.com images 522575257, 522575265.
  13. ↑ Prager, K. (1989, June 3). "Gino's ambience outdoes cuisine." The Capital Times. p. 8. Newspapers.com image 520013885.
  14. ↑ (1973, May 7). Advertisements for Gino's and for the grand opening of Pizza on Wheels, Soupcon, 112 King St. The Daily Cardinal. p. 5.
  15. ↑ (1995, May 25). City of Madison license list, May 1995. The Capital Times. p. 20. Newspapers.com image 521522538. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.
  16. ↑ (1996, May 27). City of Madison license list, May 1996. The Capital Times. p. 5. Newspapers.com image 522631770. Seen in search results only; the page has not been read.
  17. ↑ (1995, August 16). "Student dining guide 1995: Pizza." Wisconsin State Journal. p. 59. Newspapers.com images 404412582, 522634426.
  18. ↑ (2000, April 6). Gino's advertisement: call ahead for stuffed pizza, 540 State St. The Capital Times. p. 61. Newspapers.com image 522236673.
  19. ↑ Ivey, M. (2001, September 5). "Eating up profits: Cheese prices hurt pizza places." The Capital Times. p. 1. Newspapers.com images 522189987, 522189987, 522190014.
  20. ↑ Jones, J. (2002, June 6). "State Street eateries: so many choices, and something for everyone." The Daily Cardinal.
  21. ↑ Roberts, a. (2003, November 17). "Gino's: A hidden treasure of pizza and pasta." The Badger Herald.
  22. ↑ Evans, G. (2005, November 24). "Peppino won't boast, but he certainly could." madison.com.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Evans, G. (2006, April 27). "Gino's qualifies as classic with food, ambience." madison.com.
  24. ↑ Thompson, E. (2006, December 16). "Gino's, a warm Italian eatery." madison.com.
  25. ↑ Wegner, A. N. (2008, May 28). "Through thick and thin: Madison's pizzerias have come a long way from their humble start on Spaghetti Corner." madison.com.
  26. ↑ (2011, March 3). Gino's advertisement: buy one pizza, get the second free, pick-up and delivery. The Capital Times. p. 7. Newspapers.com image 522560169.
  27. ↑ (2013, June 20). Gino's advertisement: "Reopen for Lunch! June 17th" in the remodeled restaurant with a full bar. The Capital Times. p. 2. Newspapers.com image 521044916.
  28. ↑ Knutsen, K. (2013, November 5). "Madland: State Street's changing place in Madison." Isthmus.
  29. ↑ (1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 448: listings Pizza Hut (811 Fern Dr. 238-7361; 4709 Verona Rd. 271-7151; 3059 E. Washington Ave. 249-6439; 2405 S. Park 257-8621) a…. Madison telephone directory. p. 448.
  30. ↑ (1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 450: listings Rocky Rococo Pan Style Pizza and Pasta (411 W. Gilman 256-0600, 1618 W. Beltline Hwy. 251-0304, 651 State, 694 S. Whit…. Madison telephone directory. p. 450.
  31. ↑ (1979, February 22). Gino's "Stuffed Pizza®" advertisement. The Capital Times. p. 56. Newspapers.com image 520029613.
  32. ↑ (1979, May 17). "That's a Pizza?" The Capital Times. p. 81. Newspapers.com image 519894785. Sponsored content.
  33. ↑ Barden, L. (2006, September 27). "Pizza, service keep Gino's around town." The Daily Cardinal.
  34. ↑ Kalk Derby, S. (2020, January 5) "Monona's Pizza Oven and Sauce Bar closes." Wisconsin State Journal. E4.
  35. ↑ (1995). Ameritech PagesPlus Yellow Pages, Madison, 1995 edition, 'Pizza' classification, p. 640: display ads — Gino's, 540 State St. ('5 blocks from the Capital'; fettucine Alfredo, stuffed pizza, veal Romano, bar; free delivery …. Madison telephone directory. p. 640.
  36. ↑ Martell, C. (2010, March 28). "WWII soldiers made pizza a Madison staple." madison.com.
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