For 16 years, Little Italy has been a Italian staple in Gainesville. Since opening in 2002, Little Italy has been a go-to restaurant to meet friends on a Friday night before a football game, plan a casual lunch meeting and a local go-to for take-out and catering.
But most of all it’s a place to relax, have some laughs, a good slice of pizza and an ice cold beer.
On Friday Aug. 3, the restaurant will celebrate their 16th year in business with a fun night of specials and live music with local musician Luke Latimer from 7-10 p.m.
“We are calling it our Sweet 16 party,” said Little Italy owner Ben Cortese. “We’ll have live music with Luke Latimer inside, up to 3 free toppings on your pizza and $5 pitchers.”
Cortese’s father Peppino open the first Little Italy in Athens and Ben brought the pizzeria to Gainesville in 2002.
“It means the world to me (to be open for 16 years),” Ben said. “My world is my daughter, son and Little Italy. I moved to Gainesville when I was 20 and now I’m 37. I’ve met so many nice people in town and our regulars keep us going. The community is great and tight knit and that gives you a great feeling.”
Over the years there have been other Little Italy locations in Georgia and Alabama, in addition to the Gainesville location.
“Little Italy really is the best food for the price in Gainesville,” said Abernathy Cochran Realtor Regina Cochran.
Rosemary Hancock said she loves to swing by Little Italy for a slice of pizza.
“I get two slices with spinach and garlic, it’s delicious! My husband Blake loves their Sicilian with anchovies,” she said.
Ben said heading into fall there are some new things happening at Little Italy.
“We are bringing trivia back this fall and this football season you will get 10% off on Friday nights with your GHS ticket stub. We’ll also carry that deal into Saturdays,” he said. “We also plan to have more live music.”
Little Italy Pizzeria
990 Riverside Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501. 678-450-1515.
