Renato’s Italian Restaurant opens in Morgan Square

July 12--Spacious, luxurious and comfortable, the dining room of downtown's newest eatery was abuzz Friday with delicious food, friendly service and happy customers.

But it was the one man at the heart of the operation -- the kitchen -- who wore the most satisfied smile.

Chef Renato Marmolino, owner of Renato's Italian Restaurant, this week completed the relocation of his family-operated fine-dining establishment from its home for more than two decades at 221 E. Kennedy St. to a new space at 121 W. Main St.

"I consider myself very blessed," said Marmolino, an Italian transplant who landed in Spartanburg in 1990 and opened his restaurant a year later. "Kennedy Street was very good to me over the years. But we think this is going to be more conducive to business and bring our customers a lot of joy."

Within the new circular logo displayed on the eatery's sign, menus and promotional items are "In Centro." The literal translation is "in the center."

Marmolino said he chose the words to celebrate the significance of his restaurant being in downtown, which in his native Italy are social centers where people converge to experience fine food, drink and other fun activities.

"People want to see and be seen," Marmolino said. "I love this view. I feel like I'm in the city. In a way, I feel like Morgan Square needs me. I hope it encourages others to come downtown."

The interior of the restaurant features exposed brick, dark woods, bright walls and archways. A focal point is a new 16-seat bar at the front of the business. It features a marble bar top, as well as an opulent back bar stocked with premium spirits and a coffee machine.

The walls are adorned with paintings and other vibrant pieces from local artists Gaffney Jarrell, Buck Brand and Eli Blasko. Jules Dugay with Memet Corp. donated a large display of the Colosseum in Rome.

"This is a great venue to showcase our work," said Jarrell, who is also one of Marmolino's loyal customers. "I feel like my work is uplifting, colorful. It goes a long with the great food, reputation and family atmosphere. (The new) Renato's is approachable, exciting and affordable."

The dining space has room for 90 people and includes a 20-seat private dining room for small conferences, business meetings and other events. A state-of-the-art touchscreen point of sale (POS) system allows orders to flow smoothly.

Marmolino's kitchen is roomy and full of the latest equipment.

"We are so pleased with how everything turned out, especially the kitchen," Marmolino said. "This is the heart of the restaurant and I wanted to make sure it was pumping well."

The rest of the building is expected to have office space for a local insurance company on the second floor and an apartment on the third floor, with Renato's occupying the ground floor. Roebuck Buildings Co. Inc. served as Marmolino's contractor. The chef thanked the company's chief executive Dean Anderson and praised city officials for their support.

Marmolino moved to the United States from Italy in 1983. He learned to cook from his mother and grandmother and went on to work in kitchens in New York and Chicago.

He runs the restaurant with his son, Andrea, wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Gabriella. They make every effort to get to know their customers, learning faces, names and favorite dishes.

"We consider everybody who works for us, all of our customers to be our family," Marmolino said.

Marmolino said quality and service have always been top priorities.

"I was at the point with the (old location) where I could close, take my savings and go someplace else," Marmolino said. "But I believe in Spartanburg. I've got a lot of support here. I feel like a celebrity. I wish that more businesses will come downtown and be my neighbor. We can all meet in the center."

The restaurant will be open for lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. It will be open for dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.

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