For nearly 50 years, Gaetano’s Restaurant has been a San Diego institution, known for its family-run charm and hand-tossed pizzas. 

Currently, the pizza restaurant in California faces an uncertain fate due to financial difficulties that may lead to its closure, just months shy of its milestone 50th anniversary on November 17.

Established in 1974 by Petros Provataris, a former Greek Navy officer who moved to San Diego, Gaetano’s has been a family-operated venture. Petros, affectionately called Peter by patrons, remains active at the eatery, crafting pizzas and maintaining its legacy.

“I was raised in this restaurant and wish to continue my father’s legacy, but the recent economic downturn makes it uncertain if we can keep operating,” expressed Nota Provataris, Peter’s daughter.

Rising costs, inflation, and concerns about a recession have affected customer spending. 

(‘My dad has worked so hard for 50 years to be here. It’s our life, Gaetano’s is our life,’ Nota said.             

Shelley Denicholas, head waitress, told ABC 10 News: ‘The customers love Peter. He still makes their pizzas, and it means a lot to them. Generations over generations have been here, and it’s just all about family.;

The family is continuing to operate Gaetano’s for as long as they can. Nota’s three-year-old son is even learning how to make pizza. 

Nota Provataris and her father Petros believe they will be forced to shutter Gaetano’s Restaurant 

Gaetano’s has been operating in California for nearly 50 years

Over the decades, Gaetano’s has supported local schools, sports programs, and churches, even while navigating financial pressures.

Social media has seen an outpouring of support, with longtime customers planning visits and sharing memories. 

‘My family has been going here for years. We have so many memories of this great restaurant,’ a Facebook user wrote.

‘Gaetanos was my dad’s favorite Italian restaurant. The family was so amazing & compassionate when they catered my dad’s funeral reception earlier this year. I really hope they can find a way to stay in business.’

Others were ‘sorry’ to hear about the closure — suggesting the restaurant set up a GoFundMe to save the business from going under.

‘The last location of Anthony’s Fish Grotto in La Mesa was set to close several years ago. The community said “Don’t Do It! We will support you!,”‘ a fan commented on an another post.

‘It worked and it is still open and thriving. Please, let’s do the same for Gaetano’s in Tierrasanta!.’

While Gaetano’s is on the chopping block, multiple restaurants have already shuttered — including Firenze’s Restaurant & Pizzeria.

Petros, known to customers as ‘Peter,’ still works at Gaetano’s

The restaurant has supported local schools, sports programs, and churches

Firenze’s shuttered after 61 years in June after Gordon Ramsay stopped by for food. The establishment has not revealed to reason behind the closure.

Oscar’s Taco House closed days later to make way for a new bridge in Texas. The business had been successful for 63 years prior to its shutter.

Hector’s Cafe shuttered in July after failing to recover from the pandemic and changes in the Meatpacking District.

The 76-year-old restaurant was famous for its scrumptious food and frequented by crew members from Law & Order.

Less than two weeks after Hector’s shut down, Las Cuatro Milpas announced its plans to close later this year.

The 92-year-old Mexican restaurant put its property up for sale for nearly $2 million — but its not planning to sell the business itself.

Gaetano’s has declined to comment any further about its potential closure.