By Meaghan O’Neal
Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Joey Marchica has been in the Italian food business for almost 40 years. So when he had the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Land O’Lakes, he also saw it as an opportunity to pass along his family heritage to his son.
It’s been a year since Joey and his son, Nicky, opened Lake Padgett Bistro, which is located in the Lake Padgett Community Center in Land O’ Lakes. It had always been Joey’s dream to work with his son and to help him be successful in business, just as he had worked alongside his father.
Joey’s mother and father were from Sicily, Italy. When they came to America, the Marchicas brought their recipes with them, and today those recipes continue to influence the menu and food served at the Lake Padgett Bistro.
Growing up, Joey worked with his father making pizzas in Brooklyn, New York. In 1986, Joey moved to Tampa to open his own pizza restaurant — Scotto’s in East Lake Mall. It was there that he met his wife, Gina, a part owner in Lake Padgett Bistro.
In addition to Scotto’s, Joey was involved in the opening of Pizza Suprema, located on Collier Parkway, now owned by Joey’s family.
Joey and Nicky firmly believe that they are unique in the food service business, because they are a family owned business. They take great pride in their operation, beginning with the freshest possible ingredients. They never use any product that is frozen or premade.
The Marchicas believe their greatest assets are their customers. They love to feed people with good tasting quality food. “One of the things we would like our customers to know is that we are not a fast food restaurant. All of our food is made fresh to order. We do not have food waiting in a box ready to serve, it is all prepared fresh for you,” said Gina Marchica.
Lake Padgett Bistro specializes in calzones, hot subs, baked pastas, and, of course, pizza. The menu also offers salads, cold subs and American favorites such as hamburgers, chicken fingers and steaks. Joey and Nicky also make custom orders for customers who have unique food allergies or other needs.
Lake Padgett Bistro delivers to the surrounding area for no extra charge. It also does catering for all events.
“Lake Padgett Bistro is Land O’ Lakes’ best kept secret,” said Joey. “It’s been exciting to watch our business grow, and it’s so gratifying that once people find us, they recognize us for the hidden gem we are and keep coming back.”
Like his father, Nicky is looking forward to being involved in the family business for a long time. “I am excited to be able to carry out our family legacy of pizza making and wonderful Italian family recipes,” he said.
813-406-4440 • 4533 Savanah Way, • Land O’ Lakes
