Robert Esposito opened Abbondanza Pizzeria in the Morgan Street Junction at 6503 California Ave. s.w. ten years ago and the family is planning a celebration to thank their customers, but the gifts are for you.

They write:

"Dear Friends of “Abbondanza”,
In celebration of our 10-year Anniversary, and to thank you for your continued support of the restaurant, we would like to invite you to a special brunch buffet, on us, on Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m.

We hope you can make it, and would appreciate it if you would give us a quick reply by email, either way.

Thank you,
The Espositos"

That means all you need to do is drop an email to Salinnc@yahoo.com to make a reservation to enjoy this special event, but space and reservations are limited.

Abbondanza just opened for lunch three weeks ago featuring 'Presto Presto' (fast fast) lunch in under 30 minutes with your choice of any 2 of Pan Pizza, Soup or Salad for 7.95. Previously they had only been open for dinner but with increasing competition and rising prices they needed to increase business. They are also offering a traditional Italian Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Robert's father, Salvatore is here helping out. He's the former owner of a similar restaurant in McLean VA and said, "Abbondanza needed a shot in the arm. The dinner business has always been good but by serving a fast and high quality lunch people can eat good food in less than 30 minutes and get back to what they were doing."

When the restaurant first opened, Salvatore came here with his uncle Frank who had trained in New York and was an expert in authentic New York style Pizza. After getting organized and establishing the business Salvatore returned to Virginia and Robert has been running it ever since.

Salvatore explained that Robert is deaf and this has meant many people in the deaf community have come to enjoy the food and "feel as if this place is their home."

The restaurant industry is not easy, as the closure of the Charlestown Cafe is proof of but some of those people may end up working at Abbondanza according to Esposito.

"Our business is in a five mile radius. If you know your community, help your community they will come back to you again and again. That's why Robert just renewed his ten year lease. I feel that Robert is a West Seattle boy right now. No more Italian, no more English (Sal's wife is English). He loves West Seattle."