Garozzo's: The Success Story of Michael Garozzo, the Man Behind the Famous Chicken Spiedini in Kansas City
Michael Garozzo is the owner of both Garozzo’s Italian restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Area. Michael was born and raised on the “Hill” in St. Louis. He began his restaurant career as a busboy, with a dream of one day owning a restaurant. His father Salvatore and uncle Alfio, both waiters in fine restaurants all their lives, encouraged Michael to pursue his dream.
He opened the first Garozzo’s in 1989 “On a wing and a prayer” in the historic Columbus Park Italian neighborhood in Downtown Kansas City, A.K.A The North End. Today there are two popular locations as well as a thriving catering business in the Kansas City area.
Garozzo’s prides itself on its signature Chicken Spiedini, a Garozzo’s creation, which has become a Kansas City staple.
In early January 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid found each other at pivotal moments. The Chiefs were a broken franchise after a 2–14 season, shaken not only by losses but by tragedy within the organization. Reid had just been dismissed after 14 years with the Philadelphia Eagles and was grappling with both a losing season and the death of his son.