Galveston, Galveston County
Founded in 1911 as a sandwich shop at Seawall and 23rd street by Italian immigrant San Giacinto “Cinto” Gaido, in 1920 Gaido’s became Galveston’s first seafront restaurant open year round. Cinto’s motto was “learn what is wanted and then serve” and his restaurant gained fame serving the fresh seafood his customers wanted. The restaurant’s Seawall and 39th street location, originally a drive-in, opened in 1936. After cinto’s death in 1939, his son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Kewpie, both beloved civic leaders, ran the restaurant. In 1962 Gaido’s became one of Galveston’s first restaurants to be integrated. After Mike’s death in 1993, his sons and their children continue to operate the business.