Fairfield Biz Gives Hospitals Hundreds Of Meals Amid Coronavirus

FAIRFIELD, CT — In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Giresi family fed first responders from their downtown Manhattan restaurant. More than a decade later, when Hurricane Sandy hit, they did the same thing for emergency workers at their Fairfield eatery. And several weeks ago, as the new coronavirus spread across Fairfield County, the Giresis knew how they could help.

“You’ve got to step up when they need you the most,” said Dominick Giresi Jr., who owns Italian Kitchen with his father, Dominick Giresi Sr.

The Fairfield restaurant has donated well over 100 pizzas to hospitals across the area as confirmed cases of the virus have risen above 6,000 in Fairfield County and hundreds have died.

Italian Kitchen began its donation effort March 23, at the suggestion of Giresi Jr.’s wife, Paola Giresi. The restaurant pledged that for every two pizzas it sold, it would give one to health care workers. The eatery also offered customers the option to contribute $10 for a pie — or $5 for a half-pie — without a purchase.

“We’re averaging like 100 pies a week,” Giresi Jr. said.

Italian Kitchen has given pizzas to Bridgeport Hospital and Norwalk Hospital. The business also prepared 60 pasta meals for St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport and partnered with Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market to feed clients at the Fairfield nonprofit Operation Hope. In addition, the eatery gave a customer a discounted rate to buy sandwiches and salads for the Bridgeport Hospital staff.

“People are really coming together,” Giresi Jr. said.

Italian Kitchen originally planned to do one week of pizza donations, but with multiple food contributions last week at area hospitals, the restaurant shows no sign of slowing down. Giresi Jr. hopes to donate at least 500 pizzas.

“We’re not stopping,” he said.

Italian Kitchen is located at 1700 Post Road. While the dining area is closed under a state order shuttering the physical locations of all restaurants through May 20 to prevent transmission of the virus, the eatery is offering curbside pickup and free delivery.

For more information, visit italiankitchenct.com or www.facebook.com/italiankitchenct.