TONY & ROBBIE FERRANTE
high-quality food. The dressings are Robbie’s creations, all made fresh each day. “It definitely takes more time and costs more,” says Tony, “but that’s what sets us aside. We’re just cooking in our kitchen.” It’s been eight years since Ferrante’s first began serving Spokane; so what’s their secret ingredient to their continued success? To start, the menu reflects people’s tastes, causing it to evolve with the times. Tony and Robbie enjoy traveling to places such as Seattle, San Francisco and Portland to taste the foods at different restaurants and see what’s happening in those towns, as well as shop for products for the marketplace, again with the focus of bringing good things to Spokane. “I think having the marketplace helps keep it fresh, because there’s something new coming in every day,” says Robbie, “whether it’s new merchandise, a new flavor of gelato or new wine offering.” And don’t forget about the staff. Some are family, some are close friends, and all of them are a part of the culture Ferrante’s represents. With that in mind, the turnover rate at Ferrante’s is extremely low, as most employees have been on board at least three to
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FERRANTE’S HAS EARNED THE REPUTATION OF BEING A GATHERING PLACE FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO COME TOGETHER WHILE ENJOYING DELICIOUS FOOD AND EACH OTHER’S COMPANY.
five years. This allows for that close-knit relationship with their guests. “We’ve always fashioned ourselves as a community business,” says Robbie. “Our community has been extremely generous to us, so we like to give back to our community.” Some local causes Ferrante’s supports include: Providence Children’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Club Reach for the Future, and the Senior All-nighter fundraisers for Ferris and Lewis Clark high schools. They are involved with Feed Spokane’s Dine Out for Spokane, an organization helping to feed those in need in the Spokane area. There is also the Tony Marie Foundation, in which businesses hold fundraisers at Ferrante’s, and the restaurant, in turn, donates a percentage of their proceeds to that charity/fundraising event. One of Ferrante’s biggest events is their annual fundraiser in which they donate 100 percent of the restaurant’s proceeds for two full days to the Ronald McDonald House Charity of Spokane. Eight years ago, Ferrante’s offered pizza, salad and Panini. Today, there are more than 25 offerings with a menu that is continuously evolving. If you’re in a rush, they offer take out, which is very popular among patrons, as guests can order from the regular menu or family style menu, and the catering side has been greatly received as well. Ferrante’s has become a staple in the Spokane community; we can only imagine what the next eight years will bring. “We’re doing what we want to do,” says Robbie, “and we’re having fun.” [SS]
GETTING THERE FERRANTE’S MARKETPLACE CAFÉ IS LOCATED AT 4516 S. REGAL ST. (509) 443-6304 | DOITALIAN.COM
DON’T MISS: THE MARGHERITA PIZZA WHO TO BRING: FRIENDS AND FAMILY; KIDS WELCOME END WITH/SAVE ROOM FOR: THE GELATO INSIDER TIP: FORGET THE MONEY! THE BEST TIP YOU CAN LEAVE IS TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT FERRANTE’S. 2 01 2 - 2 01 3 S p o k a n e S i z z l e . c o m
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