Campisi’s Restaurant David Campisi runs the family business.[/caption]

For four generations, the Campisi name has been synonymous with traditional Italian dining. In April, the Dallas-based family-owned and -operated business relocated one of its two Plano restaurants from 3115 W. Parker Road to 4709 W. Parker Road just east of Preston Road.

This full-service restaurant originally opened in 1994 and was the third Campisi’s location to open.

Campisi’s Restaurant The All the Way pizza ($12.25 small, $15.95 medium, $17.75 large) is topped with sausage, salami and veggies.[/caption]

As the family celebrates 70 years of business, owner David Campisi said the restaurant’s menus have remained relatively unchanged.

“We’re old-school, Italian food that people love. Our sausage is hand-linked daily … and our meatballs are still hand-scooped with ice cream scoops each morning,” he said.

The Campisi story began in 1946 when Italian immigrant and grocer Carlo “Papa” Campisi purchased a bar in Dallas called the Idle Hour. Thanks to him, the family says it helped create Dallas’ first pizza and Texas’ first pizzeria.

David Campisi started working in the restaurant at the age of 4 years old, helping out by buttering toast and chopping lettuce. Since then, the business has expanded to 11 locations with more than 500 employees.

The Campisi’s menu consists of traditional favorites, such as chicken piccata and eggplant Parmesan. Specialty pizzas are particularly popular, as well as Italian-inspired sandwiches, and lunch and happy hour specials.

Campisi’s homemade dishes are also made from ingredients provided by the same supplier groups since the first restaurant’s opening, many of which were also founded by Italian immigrants.

Campisi’s Restaurant The tiramisu ($6) is one of the desserts on the menu.[/caption]

Most guests enjoy sharing their fondest memories spent at Campisi’s over the years, Campisi said, whether it is memories from a first date, birthday party or family dinner night.

“We’re loyal to our guests [as well],” he said. “We [also] have family members who’ve worked for us for over 40 years. These add to the storyline of who we are.”