Business thrives after more than 20 years

Gino's Italian Restaurant co-owner Gina Ganster does not think it takes a genius to run a successful business.

"If you take care of your customers and take care of your employees, you're going to become successful," she said.

Ganster said her family has been following that formula since her father, Gino Minardi, opened the restaurant in 1993. Originally opened as a small pizzeria, the business has expanded into a 40-table restaurant with a full Italian food menu.

Despite being 81 years old, Gino still shows up for work every day. While Gina and other family members run the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, Gino still has the final say on most business decisions.

"It's funny, he runs circles around some of the people in the kitchen," Gina said. "I hope I have that same energy when I get that age."

Most of Gino's dishes are made in-house, Gina said. The restaurant gets its pasta fresh from Ma's Pasta, a local pasta shop, and makes every dish to order.

Gino's has established a large number of regulars during its 20 years in business, Gina said. The restaurant's clientele ranges on a given night from families having a meal together to a couple on a romantic date.

"You get to know lots of people," she said. "Then when you have all these new people come in, they see how ... customers are treated and they say, 'Wow.'"

1701 S. Mays St., Round Rock, 512-218-9922, www.ginosroundrock.net, Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m.