Manassas couple adds native touch to restaurant

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: March 15, 2009

In this downturn in the economy, many Prince William County businesses are curtailing their services or shutting down.

Such is not the case for Joe and Josie Russo, who after more than 30 years in the restaurant business are still going strong.

The couple opened their first restaurant, the Roman Delight, in the Manassas Shopping Center in 1976 and have operated others in the Manassas-Gainesville-Warrenton area ever since.

Their latest venture is Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano, which opened 2 1/2 years ago in Haymarket.

"It been a long time for us to keep going … but we enjoy what we are doing," said Josie Russo.

Joe Russo added, "Our main goal through the years has been to offer our customers real Italian food and friendly service."

Both were born in Italy and came to the U.S. in 1976. They not only have spent the years since manning a restaurant but get involved in the community as much as they can by hosting benefit events.

The restaurant has a variety of choices ranging from appetizers such as stuffed mush-rooms, to jumbo shrimp salads, to baked dishes, subs, specialty pasta and homemade desserts.

"A recent addition to our menu has been white lasagna with layered pasta, chicken filled, spinach, mushrooms and mozzarella smothered in a light cream sauce. It is now one of our most ordered items," said Josie Russo.

They make their own bread, sauces, pastas and baked specialties.

Located at 15120 Washington St., the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entertainment is offered on weekends. A special St. Patrick's Day event is planned.

The restaurant can seat 90 in its main dining room and has a full-service bar. There is plenty of parking around the two-story brick structure in the historic town.

The couple feels that the satisfaction they get from positive praise from their customers has been instrumental in keeping them decades in the business.

"Every time a family tells me how much it enjoyed coming to our restaurant, it makes me real happy," said Josie Russo, who does the managing and marketing.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.