When Antonino (Nino) Locascio took over ownership of Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern in Scotch Plains in 2022, he had already been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. Along with his ability to offer outstanding customer service, he’s also known for new and innovative menu ideas and his adaptability to current food trends.
“I've been in all facets of the restaurant business from general manager to director of food and beverage, but mostly as an executive chef,” he says.
Before buying Grano from friends, he was already enamored with the restaurant. “When they offered me the restaurant, I jumped on it,” says Nino. “It offers a great dining experience. Although my focus is on the restaurant in general, I like to consider us more of a tavern than a pizzeria. We’re a perfect mixture.”
Patrons can sit down at a table and have a lovely dining experience with delicious entrées and signature cocktails, while others can hang at the bar, watch the game and enjoy hand-crafted pizzas and beer. Whatever diners choose to order, it will be made fresh and with the highest-quality ingredients.
“To me, quality is everything,” he says. “People can tell that I use amazing prosciutto, the best type of chicken breasts, and the best mozzarella and tomatoes for our pizza. I quality check everything on a consistent basis.”
All the recipes used come personally from Nino. “Our most popular entrée is definitely the Linguine with Clams, as well as our Paccheri Bolognese and our Short Rib Lasagna. Our Chicken Parmesan with Vodka Sauce is fantastic too. We also have a Margaroni pizza, which is fresh mozzarella, vodka sauce, pepperoni, and honey on our delicious crust.”
Appetizers include a Whipped Ricotta Board, Arancini, and Burrata. There are also soups, such as the classic Pasta e Fagioli and Italian Wedding, and a variety of salads. Finish off your meal with Limoncello Cake, Tiramisu, or maybe Chocolate Ganache Cake.
If pizza is desired, there are many choices available including the Bruschetta, Meat Lovers Pie, Eggplant Parm, and Cheesesteak. And don’t forget the strombolis and build-your-own calzones filled with everything you can imagine. A great variety of subs are also offered.
While many of the menu items are staples, Nino also likes to change things up according to the season and occasion. If someone wants to hold a party at the restaurant, he can customize what’s served according to customers’ preferences.
“We host a lot of events, mainly during the week,” he says. “I've been doing a lot of steakhouse dinner type events lately.”
If someone wants to hold an event with great food outside of the restaurant, Grano can provide whatever is needed as well. This menu can be customized too.
Everything he does is focused on diners having the best experience. “I'm a very personable person and I think our food is fantastic,” he says. “We also have excellent cocktails, but the one thing we really pride ourselves on is our customer service. And to me, in this business, that trumps all.
“If we can make people feel like they're at home and on top of that, enjoy amazing cocktails and amazing food while giving them the best customer service they can possibly get, that's going to differentiate us from everyone else.”
In regard to those cocktails, Nino says his talented and creative bartenders come up with the recipes. Luckily for him, he gets to be the taste tester and has to approve each one.
Word of mouth is definitely a huge part of Grano’s success. “People come in, then they bring their family and friends, and then those friends bring their family and friends.”
The restaurant itself has a modern but cozy atmosphere. At the sleek bar, instead of hard stools, there are stylish soft chairs in a warm green hue that makes sitting there very comfortable. Elegant gold accents complete the trendy feel. At the tables, padded blue and brown chairs again add comfort and style. The brick walls with their eclectic artwork and the open-ceiling concept add a cool, urban touch.
“People love the whole vibe of the restaurant,” says Nino. “It’s like New York City in the middle of Scotch Plains.
“I like meeting the people who come in and connecting with the locals and building friendships. I think that's very important. It's a small town and everybody's very connected. I'm learning that more and more every day. I want to be a part of the town and I think people are getting that sense. I'm here to stay - I'm not going anywhere.”
GranoItalianTavern.com
“People love the whole vibe of the restaurant. It’s like New York City in the middle of Scotch Plains.”
“To me, quality is everything. People can tell that I use amazing prosciutto, the best type of chicken breasts, and the best mozzarella and tomatoes for our pizza. I quality check everything on a consistent basis.”
