[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE ORIGINAL VENICE RESTAURANT AND THE RONCA, FEOLA AND 
                           SCAROGNI FAMILIES

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Ronca, 
Feola and Scarogni Families who, on June 20, 2001, will celebrate their 
50th anniversary of running a successful family-owned business in the 
South Bronx; the original Venice Restaurant, first located on the 
opposite corner of its present location at 772 East 149th Street.
  The members of these three related families trace their roots to the 
beautiful island of Ponza, Italy. They arrived in the Bronx as 
immigrants eager to improve their lives through hard work and 
dedication to the opportunities offered in this great land. The Venice 
Restaurant was opened in 1951 by Fred Guarino. He ran it until 1958. 
From that year until 1962, Giovanni Ronca and Silverio Migliaccio 
managed this neighborhood landmark. Mr. Ronca continued to operate the 
restaurant until 1975 when Steve Scarogni and Elio Feola assumed 
control. In 1988, Mr. Scarogni moved the business across the street to 
its present location. And twelve years later, Francesco Feola and 
Philip Vitiello joined Mr. Scarogni as partners. Throughout this entire 
time, these cousins and nephews of the restaurant's founder have 
maintained the same high quality food and service that has made the 
Venice Restaurant a neighborhood classic. Known for its fine dishes of 
pastas, veal, chicken and seafood, made daily on the premises, these 
family members continue to run a first class operation popular 
throughout the area.
  Mr. Speaker, this is another fine example of immigrants coming to 
this country realizing their goals and living the ``American Dream.'' 
Their success reminds all of us of the contribution immigrants have 
continuously made to our economy and to the betterment of this country.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
Ronca, Scarogni and Feola families and in wishing them continued 
success.

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