For decades, they’ve fed families, faculty and football players. City employees and tech engineers. Birthday celebrants and anniversary couples.
Now, after 52 years in the hospitality business, the Fiorillo family plans to serve their last plates of Seafood Pasta Fiorillo and Chicken Marsala — two of patriarch Vincent’s most popular recipes — on Saturday night. A success story that started with a delicatessen in Palo Alto will end when they shut the doors of their 350-seat Santa Clara restaurant and banquet hall.
Vincent Fiorillo and wife Elaine started in the Bay Area deli and restaurant business in 1972. (Photo courtesy of Fiorillo family)
“We felt that now was the right time,” said Michael Fiorillo, son of the gregarious founding chef and owner, Vincent. Michael, sister Renee Fiorillo Kelley and other family members have operated the business since Vincent died in 2010.
His mother, Elaine, echoed his sentiments. After helping run a succession of Italian restaurants, sometimes seven days a week, “It’s time for me to enjoy my family,” she said.
She and Vincent, both children of immigrants from Naples, lived in New York City before moving to Silicon Valley in 1972.
Customers fill up every bar seat Wednesday at Fiorillo’s in Santa Clara. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Server Vincent Fiorillo, a grandson, delivers dinner to a table of longtime customers. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Kelley Bell, a decades-long customer, talks of the impact the Fiorillo family and restaurant have had on the community. “They’re part of the foundation of Santa Clara,” she said. “This place is another home.” And even when the name comes down from the facade, their presence will still be felt in this neighborhood: In 2022, the city dedicated a Vincent Fiorillo & Family Park nearby.
In the days leading up to the closing, longtime customers have been flocking to this restaurant on El Camino Real near Santa Clara University for one last meal. Or two or three.
And everyone, it seems, has a Fiorillo’s story.
Kris Zankich Jr. goes way back with the family, to the 1970s, and remembers asking Vinny to sponsor his adult softball league. It was a smart business decision, Zankich said, recalling that Vinny told him, “I knew I was going to make my money back quickly” when all the ballplayers started eating at the restaurant.
Tables are ready for the final banquet that Fiorillo’s of Santa Clara will host. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Ardie Peavy of San Jose bonded with the Fiorillos in the 1980s when he discovered that they, like him, were transplanted New Yorkers — they from Brooklyn, and he from Queens. “That was our connection,” he said as he and wife Debra waited for a table. Their order? No need to look at the menu. For him, Veal Parmigiana (or maybe the Scallopini) and the Jumbo Italian Baked Prawns for her.
San Benito County resident Jeff Smith, whose office was located nearby for more than 25 years, “drove up from Hollister for one last shot.” He braved the Highway 101 rush-hour traffic for a big order and to give his regards to the family.
Bell, husband Tim and daughter Sadie planned to dine in Thursday evening and also get a takeout order of the Toscana entree for her mother, Dorothy Kornder. For Sadie, it’s all about one sauce. “This is the best Alfredo I’ve ever had,” she declared.
She’s not alone in already bemoaning the loss of her favorite.
After 52 years in various locations, Fiorillo’s will close at the end of business Saturday night. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
“Many customers have asked if we are going to write a cookbook,” Michael said. “The funny thing is, our father never measured anything when cooking. He knew exactly what spices to use and how not to complicate dishes.”
Between setting up tables for the last banquet and winding down operations, the Fiorillos are steeling themselves for the final farewell.
“We have been blessed with amazing cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers and hosts,” Michael said. “We have staff that have been with us for over 20 years.”
Related Articles
McDonald’s long-awaited value Meal Deal arrives Tuesday, June 25
7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend
Berkeley’s old Westbrae Biergarten reopens as Headlands Brewing
‘It’s Fizzneyland’: Walnut Creek has a new Champagne and bubbles bar
After 30 years, Mike’s Diner Bar closes for good
Most of the Fiorillo family, including the grandchildren, will be in attendance to greet and thank what Michael calls “the extended family” — their cherished customers — one last time. “Saturday will be an emotional day for all of us that will never be forgotten,” he said.
And, after this weekend, what’s in store for this plot of Santa Clara culinary history?
A hospitality group has purchased the property, so the venue will remain a restaurant.
“But,” one customer said ruefully, “it won’t be Fiorillo’s.”
Details: Open from 4 to 9 p.m. the final days — Thursday, Friday and Saturday — at 638 El Camino Real, Santa Clara; 408-984-0414
