Gaido's Famous Seafood Restaurant
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1911 as a sandwich shop at Seawall and 23rd street by Italian immigrant San Giacinto “Cinto” Gaido, in 1920 Gaido’s became Galveston’s first seafront restaurant open year round. Cinto’s motto was “learn what is wanted and then serve” and his restaurant gained fame serving the fresh seafood his customers wanted. The restaurant’s Seawall and 39th street location, originally a drive-in, opened in 1936. After cinto’s death in 1939, his son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Kewpie, both beloved civic leaders, ran the restaurant. In 1962 Gaido’s became one of Galveston’s first restaurants to be integrated. After Mike’s death in 1993, his sons and their children continue to operate the business.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Italian immigrant San Giacinto 'Cinto' Gaido opened a sandwich shop at Seawall and 23rd Street in 1911, and by 1920 it had become Galveston's first year-round seafront restaurant, famous for the fresh seafood his customers wanted. His son Mike and daughter-in-law Kewpie, both civic leaders, carried it on, and in 1962 Gaido's became one of Galveston's first restaurants to integrate. Generations of the family still run the business today.
Why it matters
A century-old immigrant family business, it marks both Galveston's tourist seafront and an early local step toward desegregation.
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Related people
- · San Giacinto 'Cinto' Gaido
- · Mike Gaido
- · Kewpie Gaido
Themes & tags
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