Brothers expand successful restaurant business

Independent restaurants, even in a market dominated by national chains, can find ways to stand out. ‘We’re made one guest at a time,’ says one successful restaurateur.

By Ted Carter
| 6:00 a.m. July 6, 2018
| 0 Free Articles Remaining!

Mark Costanzo, left, has teamed upÂ with DennisÂ Valentino, middle, and David Valentino, right,Â to grow an independent restaurant company in Charlotte County.

Travel-Tourism

Two brothers from New York City who brought their Italian cuisine pedigrees to the restaurant business in Port Charlotte say they’ve figured out the puzzle to growing their independent restaurant company’s share of a market dominated by national chains.

Independents, say David and Dennis Valentino, gain a lasting foothold in the Southwest Florida market by giving customers a gratifying dining experience and the right amount of original ambience. And, of course, tasty, authentic fare, say the two sons of a Brooklyn restaurateur who opened Donato’s Italian Restaurant in 1996 in Port Charlotte.