TAMAQUA — When Alfonso “Alfi” Picone came to America from Sicily about 40 years ago, he dreamed of opening his own pizzeria.
After working at a cousin’s pizzeria in Lehighton for about a year, he opened DiMaggio’s Pizza in the 200 block of East Broad Street in Tamaqua.
Even though he was only 17 years old, Picone said, someone believed in him enough to support opening a small store with room enough for just six tables.
He would go on to own La Dolce Casa – DiMaggio’s, a popular Italian restaurant, sports bar and nearby bakery on West Broad Street in Tamaqua.
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Savannah Stuckley prepares a meal with La Dolce Casa -DiMaggio’s restaurant during the restaurant’s annual free turkey meal program in Tamaqua on Tuesday.DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
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Cindie Gunderman, of Autumn Falls Entertainment, prepares hot chocolate during the annual La Dolce Casa – DiMaggio’s Free Thanksgiving Meal Program Tuesday in Tamaqua.DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
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Jodi Mika of La Dolce Casa -DiMaggio’s will be handing out a free meal to people Tuesday during the restaurant’s annual free Thanksgiving meal program in Tamaqua. DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
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Savannah Stuckley with La Dolce Casa -DiMaggio’s, pours gravy over the stuffing during the restaurant’s free Thanksgiving meal program in Tamaqua on Tuesday. DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
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Savannah Stuckley prepares a meal with La Dolce Casa -DiMaggio’s restaurant on Tuesday during the restaurant’s annual free turkey meal program in Tamaqua. DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
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He has never forgotten the generosity of the person who gave him his start, Picone said Tuesday morning as dozens of people lined up for free turkey meals outside La Dolce Casa.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Picone gave away free turkey and ham dinners to anyone who showed up.
When restaurant workers started handing out meals from a food truck in front of the restaurant around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, a line of people had already formed for half a block.
Restaurant employees handed out cups of hot chocolate and marshmallows to those bundled up against the unseasonable cold and brisk westerly winds.
“It’s very nice of him to do this,” says George Yasko of MaryD. “He is good to the people.”
The smell of roasting turkey wafted through the first block of West Broad Street, lending a nostalgic feel to the proceedings.
Marc DePew was reminded of Thanksgiving past when he received a few turkey dinners.
“It gets you in the mood for Thanksgiving,” said DePew, 57, who lives at the ABC Tamaqua Hi-Rise, about two blocks from the restaurant.
No identification was required and there was no reasonable limit on the number of meals someone could receive. Those who came to pick up meals for family or neighbors undoubtedly received four, six and possibly more.
La Dolce Casa employees, who volunteered their time, arrived around 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the distribution.
Tom Savercool, a driver and sometimes counterman at the restaurant, gave up his day off to help with the event.
“The community supports us all year round,” said Severcool, 45, from Coaldale. “Now Alfi wants to give something back to the community.”
His employer’s generosity impressed Severcool so much that he added: “I love him like a brother.”
Led by Chef John Luca, kitchen staff, anticipating high demand, began cooking turkey and ham on Friday. Picone estimated that 130 turkeys and 75 hams were prepared, along with untold quantities of mashed potatoes, stuffing and corn.
The meals were collected in take-out boxes in the restaurant kitchen and transported to the food truck for distribution. Around noon the line got smaller and distribution was moved to the restaurant.
An exact count was not available Tuesday morning, Picone said. He expected this to exceed last year’s distribution of 2,500 meals. To offset the cost of the project, which Picone estimated at about $15,000, restaurant suppliers stepped in to cover the costs.
Koch Turkey Farms in Lewistown Valley, Russo Gourmet Foods and Market in Wyomissing, Schiff Food Products in Towanda, New Jersey and Sysco contributed to the project.
At the restaurant, Picone expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from customers in Tamaqua and surrounding communities.
“When I started in that little shop on East Broad Street,” he said, “I had no idea I would be where I am today.”
La Dolce Casa will hold its annual grand lighting ceremony on Saturday at 5:45 p.m., unveiling the restaurant’s elaborate Christmas decorations.
Picone hired Pennsylvania Lawn and Landscape, Allentown, to install tens of thousands of small lights in the dining rooms. Scripted in Style Events, Tamaqua designed a decor that transformed the restaurant into a winter wonderland.
MJ McGlinchey, 80, retired from Craft Foods in Allentown, says she is treated like a queen when she dines at La Dolce Casa. The owner and staff have good hearts, she said.
While picking up dinners for herself and her neighbors in Tamaqua, McGlinchey turned to a restaurant worker and said, “I appreciate it; Happy Thanksgiving.”
