TASTE OF THE TREASURE COAST
ED DRONDOSKI PHOTOS
Mouthwatering signature dish Prince Edward Island Mussels is sautéed in either marinara, a spicy fra diavolo or a garlic white wine sauce over fresh linguine.
Tutto in famiglia
Johnny D’s owners credit their bistro and
market’s popularity to great customer service,
strong Italian parentage and delicious food
When Johnny D’s Market & Bistro opened for
48
BY JULIE TARASOVIC
business five years ago, owners Nina and Mario
Amelio knew they had a unique twist on their
concept of an authentic Italian restaurant.
The siblings had been working in the restaurant business
their whole lives, thanks to their large family who has owned
and operated successful and popular restaurants in Vero
Beach since the early 1970s.
“My family has been in the business since the time of the
First World War, beginning with restaurants in Naples, Italy,”
Nina said. “By 1966, the Amelio family immigrated to the
United States, settling in New Jersey.”
It was a real family affair, with brothers and sisters and
their children all opening up restaurants. “It’s a lot of hard
work and long hours,” Mario said. “But everyone embraced
the establishments with passion.”
The whole Amelio clan decided to give Florida a try and
moved down to the Vero area in the early 1970s, opening up
restaurants in Brevard and Indian River counties.
“We learned everything about the business working with >>