Giusti’s Place is Sacramento County Small Business of the Year
WALNUT GROVE – For more than 100 years, Giusti’s Place has served the people of Walnut Grove and the surrounding Delta community authentic Italian food while supporting nonprofits and youth sports teams with volunteer time and donations. In recognition of their community impact, Giusti’s and owner Mark Morais have been named Sacramento County Small Business of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd.
“Mark and his family have really made a difference,” Sen. Dodd said. “I applaud their many community contributions over more than a century. It’s a remarkable achievement. Small businesses like Giusti’s help make our towns special -- and we must always support them.”
“It’s been our great privilege to serve the people of Walnut Grove over and the Delta for all these years,” Mark Morais said. “Our customers have been good to us and we like to give back to the community in any way we can. I appreciate Sen. Dodd for this recognition.”
Giusti’s Place has been owned by the same family since around the turn of the last century. It was opened in its current location in 1912 by Mark Morais’ grandfather, Egisto Giusti, who emigrated from Italy with his brothers in 1900. Mark’s mother and father, Dolores and Moe Morais, took over in 1950, and Mark and his wife Linda have run it since 1974. The three Morais children – Scott, Matt and Katie -- are the fourth generation to be involved in the family business.
The restaurant closed for several months during the pandemic but reopened earlier this year, bringing back all of its 18 employees. Mark and his wife are key community boosters, donating to local elementary and high schools as well as the volunteer fire department. They also support community programs at Saint Anthony’s Church.
Photo: Mark Morais
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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.