Hailing from the Apulia region of Italy, the “heel of the boot”, Gaetano “Gavi” Colaleo grew up in a traditional Southern Italian family, learning from his aunt at an early age the secrets of hospitality and Mediterranean cuisine.

In 1970, Gavi moved from Italy to California knowing little or no English. After gaining experience while working in an Italian deli, he quickly grasped the concepts of business and customer service. Together, these factors provided for his immediate success when he opened his first restaurant in Tucson, in 1992. The culmination of hard work and popularity ultimately resulted in Piazza Gavi Italian Restaurant.

For more than 25 years, Gavi’s has served the Southern Arizona community, providing authentic Italian cuisine in an amicable environment. Gavi’s food has won numerous awards and is appreciated by customers from all over the United States.

Driven by his joy of creativity and cooking, as well as his passion for making people happy, Gavi will ensure that his restaurant thrives for years to come, making many more memories to cherish along the way.