Company History

Andrew A. Zangrilli "Andy", President and Chief Executive Officer of Dante's Restaurants, Inc. began his career in the food service industry at the age of 13 in a pizza shop in Altoona, PA. Through hard work and dedication to his job, he became manager by the age of 19. When he came to Penn State at the age of 22, he persuaded his employer to form a partnership with him and open in State College. The result was the Hi-Way Pizza Cut-Pie Shop, which began operation in 1963. This was followed by the Hi-Way Pizza Round-Pie Shop.

In 1970, Andy bought out his partner and set his sights on expanding the business.

In 1973, Andy purchased the Nittany Lodge in State College and opened it as The Deli Restaurant. The Deli features sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads, and moderately priced entrees.

Gullifty's was a new concept, incorporating the best menu items from each of the earlier endeavors. The name "Gullifty's" came from the children's television program Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, because of its uniqueness. Andy chose the name Gullifty's to represent the unique eatery concept.

In 1976 The Saloon opened in State College. Patterned after a turn-of-the-century English Pub, The Saloon features superb drinks, and entertainment.

In the fall of 1989 Hi-Way Pizza's Cut Pie and Round-Pie shops combined to become Hi-Way Pizza College Avenue. In March 1990, after much hard work and masterminding, Andy opened Mario & Luigi's. Mario & Luigi's offers an extensive menu serving authentic Italian dishes in a wonderfully vivacious atmosphere.

Dante's newest concept, Bar Bleu and Bar Que opened its doors in the fall of 2002. Bar Que features homemade authentic Kansas City style smoked bar-b-que. Bar Bleu, located downstairs, promotes live jazz, blues and roots rock in an eclectic cocktail lounge with a neon blue bar featuring premium pours.

In State College, there is also a pastry shop and bread commissary where food items such as pastries, desserts and freshly baked rolls are prepared daily. All of these baked goods are packaged and hand shipped to various locations so that our customers can enjoy the quality, consistency and freshness that they deserve. Whole pies, cakes and other desserts can also be purchased through our commissary.

Dante's Restaurants, Inc. provides for it's State College residents a wide variety of menu concepts from which to choose; from the fine cuisine of Mario & Luigi's to the extensive menu selections at The Deli Restaurant to the fun and exciting Hi-Way Pizza menus with 28 years of tradition.

Company Philosophy

The customer is our most important asset. All business decisions are made with satisfying the customer in mind. Sensitivity to changing times and customer needs is a constant goal. We are committed to making a contribution to the communities from which we earn our income.


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