By Eric Tranovich

Greg DiNello, owner of Dino's Italian Restaurant in North Jackson, credits the man he is today to his upbringing as well as the strong work ethics of his father. Giovanni DiNello came to America at the age of 25 from the small town of Pacerno, Italy where he was born and raised. Leaving behind all he knew he arrived with just two suitcases that held all of his belongings, $500 in his pocket, no knowledge of the English language, and the dream of a better life in this great country. Despite this, he was able to encompass that American Dream, and alongside his wife raised 5 children on the South side of Youngstown. In 1977, he opened DiNello Mens Wear and Tailoring on Market Street in Boardman which stayed in business until Giovanni retired in 2009. This is the store where Greg and his siblings would be required to help growing up and would lead to the business practices that Greg still believes in today.

“My Dad would do a lot of work for area priests and policemen often at no profit, but as a way to give back. For example, if a customer would come in and ask for a button to be sewn on, he would often do it at no charge, something that doesn't exist today. It was his philosophy to treat customers fairly, never cheat anyone, and make lifelong friendships while trying to provide a living for his family.” He continues, “While growing up I became a paperboy, raked leaves, cut grass and even got my first official job at McDonalds making $3.35 per hour so I could get my driver’s license. I, just as my father, followed his philosophy as to try to provide for my family while not cheating people, having the utmost respect for others, and making lifelong friends. I am a huge advocate for the Public Library and help them out in any way they need. I donate to local charities, especially Jackson Milton Schools. I offer my Banquet Room facility to area Lions Clubs, church groups and clubs to have monthly meetings. While it is important to be profitable, it is not necessary to try and get every nickel you can. It is more important to uphold family traditions and keep the DiNello name as honorable as it is in the community. Our prices at Dino’s are very reasonable, and we provide delicious home cooking with a pleasant family atmosphere catering to the elderly, handicapped, children, and large groups with a ‘reservations not needed’ welcome place to dine.” It’s these practices that are adherent to Dino’s success. Some patrons are known to come back up to four times a day from morning until night. We didn’t have to question this as it is obvious within five minutes of sitting down that Greg and his crew aim to make the dining experience of every single patron a memorable one.

Nestled among its flavorful menu, Dino’s offers ten different varieties of burgers to choose from: Classic hamburger and cheeseburger options (with your choice of cheeses being American, Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, or Cheddar), a mushroom & swiss burger, a bacon cheeseburger, a pizza burger, and a western burger (including crisp bacon, crisp onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce) that all come in ¼ pound and ½ pound options, the salmon burger, patty melt (two ¼ pound burgers topped with grilled onions on your choice of sourdough or rye bread), a triple cheeseburger (3/4 pound burger topped with your choice of cheese), and the Ultimate Bacon Burger (1 pound burger stacked with American cheese, bacon and onion rings). Each burger is served with your choice of French fries (regular or fresh cut), but one can also substitute sweet potato fries, onion rings, pasta, or mashed potatoes for $1.29.

Their specialty, besides the burgers and homemade food of course, is their haddock dinners which are fresh and served either broiled, fried with their homemade breading, stuffed, or served with a marinara sauce. The busiest day is usually Friday nights when they will sell about one hundred pounds of fish, however it is on the menu daily and can be ordered anytime.

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