Salvatore's

Gorozzo's Italian restaurant in Independence is changing owners, but not families. Mike Garozzo opened that location with his uncle, Alfio Garozzo, in 1991. Alfio Garozzo retired in 1994, and his son Salvatore "Sam" Garozzo took over as general manager. Mike Garozzo has three other area locations and is opening a Wichita restaurant this spring. So he decided to sell his shares in the Independence location to his cousin and godson Sam Garozzo. The name has changed to Salvatore's, and several new items will be added to the menu. Sam Garozzo said he's not really doing anything different as owner than he did as manager. But it's like a whole new job; the stress and responsibility are more, "he said. "It makes you want to do more and more for the business." Since taking over, Sam Garozza has been painting the restaurant at 12801 E. U.S. 40 and putting in new carpet and tile. He also plans to renovate that garden patio.