Submitted by
Gerry Clare
Pompeo’s Restaurant has been a favorite downtown restaurant since 1990 when Mario Pompeo Manganaro, moved his restaurant from the Publix shopping center, which had just opened, to Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. His wife Rose and children Mario, Ashley, and Angela all worked to make Pompeo’s the wonderful Italian dining experience that it was.
It grew over the years and even added a courtyard for outside dining with a classic Italian continental flare, serving pasta dishes to fine veal and seafood creations. At one point, Mario even added a pizza oven for his famous thin crust pizza. Pompeo’s was host to many family celebrations as well as celebrities like Gabriela Sabatini, Brent Musberger, Don Shula, Sharon Gless (of Cagney & Lacey), Wayne and Delores Weaver, Davy Jones (the Monkees) and Robert Loggia, who chatted with Mario in Italian.
Many of Pompeo’s wait staff were with him for years and became almost like family as well, but after 25 years in the restaurant business here, the Manganaros have decided to retire and pursue other interests.
Mario grew up in Naples, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1974 to live with his brother and worked in Freehold, New Jersey at an Italian restaurant. He spoke very little English and commuted from Allentown, Pennsylvania, where his brother owned a restaurant. He opened a restaurant with his brother and then his own restaurant near Scranton called Pompei”s (as the name Pompeo’s was already taken). But he missed the beautiful Italian sunshine and warm weather and in 1986 he sold the restaurant to his brother and he, Rose and Mario packed into a motor home and headed south to Florida, all the way to Key West. On the trip back north, they stopped in St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach. They decided to open their Italian restaurant in Fernandina Beach in 1987.
He still visits his family in Pennsylvania and Italy when he can, but loves the sunny Italian-like weather and the many friends he has made here. Mario’s friendly face and great operatic voice (singing at your table) will no longer be at the restaurant, but probably, still around town on his motorcycle or Vespa or fishing, hunting, and spending time with his three children (all in college now) and grandchild.
He attributes his success to his “being open to new ideas and taking opportunities as they arise, but in a financially cautious way.”
Look for another restaurant opening in his building in the next few months.
Beech Street Grill…
Sadly another fine dining restaurant has closed downtown after 22 years on the scene. Liz Smiddy and Rick Erickson made the difficult decision to close the Beech Street Grill at 8th and Beech Streets a few weeks ago. Their restaurant will be sorely missed.
This historic building (one of the Bell houses) is on the national register, and has been lovingly maintained by the owners. As Smiddy says, “they have maintained and been the caretakers of the character and quality of this historic landmark.”
Liz and Rick met in Boston and moved to Fernandina Beach, opening the Beech Street Grill in 1990. Liz developed and worked on the extensive wine list while Rick as the chef, “highlighted fresh and local dishes with updated twists.”
This four star restaurant received many awards including ones from Florida Trend magazine, Folio Weekly and Wine Spectator. The exceptional seafood menu and fine wine list have been a favorite with locals and resort guests over the years. Also popular was the piano dining room.
The building and business are now for sale, and Liz is looking forward to having more time to be involved in civic and community affairs. Rick is enjoying retirement after many busy years in the restaurant business.
New on the Scene…
Don Quixote’s Seafood and Tapas Restaurant recently opened at 520 Centre Street next to Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina. The dining room is a lovely open room with a stunning and colorful mural of Don Quixote and a private dining room for special dining reservations. Hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Both restaurants are owned by the same owners with the menu at Don Quixote’s more of a high-end dining experience.
Of course, tapas (or small plates) are an exciting additional enticement to diners in this Spanish-influenced restaurant with an an extensive wine list.
The Salty Pelican Bar and Grill should be opening in the next week or so and is on Front Street behind the Marina Restaurant in what was once the Dingy Club.
It has been remodeled with a smart contemporary interior and an upstairs and downstairs bar and dining with outside seating as well. The menu will be American bar food genre with some special oyster dishes. Sunsets should be stunning from the upstairs room.
August 6, 2012 7:05 p.m.