Clinton Harwell Enjoys the Social Life in Waco Pignetti’s Second Location is Open

The social aspect of being a restaurateur was what kept Clinton Harwell going through the challenges of COVID, and what inspired him to open a second Pignetti’s location in Waco to complement the much loved Pignetti’s in Temple and The Barton House in Salado.

Pignetti’s has been a community fixture in Temple for the last 20 years and, since opening its doors in September, the second restaurant has been a welcome addition to the Waco food scene. Pignetti’s Waco enjoys a prime location in the former Phoenix Ballroom at 401 Third St. near Magnolia Market at the Silos. It maintains the elegance of the former ballroom, with city views and an upscale warehouse ambiance, plus a private dining room, full bar, outdoor patio, and extensive parking.

Harwell’s business partner, Donnie Johnson, will run Pignetti’s Waco. He brings a strong corporate background in the restaurant industry with decades of experience, including stints as an owner of Brick Oven and Baretto and general manager of Eddie V’s and Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

Offering the same Italian food as the original Pignetti’s, the new location has added steaks to an evolving menu that currently features everything from chicken Parmesan and lobster ravioli to Iron Table Wagyu NY Strip and Braveheart Ribeye. Diners and oenophiles will appreciate the ample wine selection, which was inspired by Harwell’s travels to wineries around the world and won Pignetti’s the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine. His destinations have included Napa, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Slovenia, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, and he is currently seeking sponsorship to add Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to his boozy globe trotting list.

by Janet Civitelli

Harwell said, “Even though the restaurant just broke even on this line of business, I consider it a success because it kept staff employed during a time when restaurants were laying off most of their employees. It also benefited our community since it helped solve the supply chain problem.”

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Continuing the same community focus as its original location, Pignetti’s Waco will offer special wine-themed events and pair wines with fine dining.

Putting The Customer First

In an industry well known for startup challenges, Harwell credited one of his first employers, TGI Fridays, with teaching him how to cultivate customer loyalty. “TGI Fridays coaches managers and staff to treat customers as if they are guests in their homes,” Harwell said. “Customers aren’t just enjoying good food, they also feel welcomed. You can feel the difference.”

His dedication to customer service was exemplified in early 2020 when he saw his community facing shortages on grocery store shelves. Harwell’s subsequent pandemic pivot made use of his ability to purchase in bulk and re-imagine his wine-to-go business to provide essential items.

His girlfriend, artist Marlene Jorge, designed a new logo and rebranded the business as Pignetti’s Grocers. They created a $100 grocery box, which included meats, milk, vegetables, beans, rice, toilet paper, and bleach, and quickly sold out.

Pignetti’s Waco’s website is under development so guests are encouraged to scan the code to make reservations through OpenTable.

by Ann Marie Kennon