Restaurant owner reports heavy Thanksgiving bookings – WFTV

WINTER PARK, Florida – Vincent Gagliano opened the doors of his Winter Park restaurant for 24 years. This year, it has passed the milestone of the quarter century.

Despite the fact that many families stay home for the holidays and turkey is not a traditional French dish, Gagliano said 130 people have reserved tables at his restaurant, Chez Vincent, which equates to his capacity. and what he sees on a typical Saturday.

Most Thursdays it only serves about 30 people.

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“I have the same people who come every year for Thanksgiving,” Gagliano said.

Gagliano said he and the four other restaurants opening around downtown Winter Park cater to families who don’t want to bother cooking a big bird on their own.

He only opens for dinner, giving his staff time to be with his own family while earning an income. He tackles the question of cooking by putting two French versions of the turkey dishes: one with Dijon mustard and the other with fresh cranberries.

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Gagliano said he takes pride in still being open and serving neighborhood customers after the worst year of his business career.

“I took that [2020 calendar] and I burned it, he said, making a tearing motion with his hands. “I want to erase that year.”

He said his restaurant was set to expand next year and, of course, would be open for Christmas dinner as well.

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