TUSCAN PRESS
GRI (GRUPPO RISTORATORI ITALIANI) Appoints New Execuitive Leadership, Announces Plans for Fresh Marketing Initatives ~ 01/27/05

Tony May of San Domenico, one of New York City 's finest Italian restaurants, announced today that he would be succeeded by Paolo Secondo (owner of Barolo and I Tre Merli in NYC) as chairman of GRI, the leading not-for-profit Italian restaurateur group in the US . “After 20 plus years at the helm, it's time to pass the torch,” said Mr. May. “Paolo has the energy and the leadership skills to continue the success of GRI, which will benefit all of our members.” Mr. May will assume the position of President and will be the liaison between GRI USA and restaurants and institutions in Italy .

In addition to electing Mr. Secondo as its new chairman, GRI created an executive committee to research new initiatives and monitor trends. Among the members selected are: Anthony Pirraglia, Tuscan Oven ( Norwalk , CT & Mt. Kisco, NY); Laura Maioglio, Barbetta (NYC); Vittorio Ansuini, Mezzogiorno (NYC); Roberto Donna, Galileo ( Washington DC ); Maurizio Contartese, Bravo Ristorante ( Sacramento , CA ); Anna Frattarolli, Lucia ( Boston ). GRI also selected a new agency alliance, Dentsu Communications/the DePlano Group, to market and administrate the Group.

“Tony has been instrumental in making GRI the leader in educating American restaurant goers about the incredible diversity and richness of Italian cuisine,” said Mr. Secondo. “GRI will continue to serve as a bridge between the rich traditions of Italian food and wine and the American restaurant-going public.” Secondo added, “I look forward to re-energizing our Group with creative marketing initiatives, events, promotions, sponsors and alliances as well as expanding the membership and geographic diversity.”

GRI works with Italian food and wine producers, Italy 's regional governments, consortia and trade groups to promote authentic Italian cuisine from the traditional to the contemporary. “It's important for Americans to know how diverse Italian cuisine is, from our southern regions and Sicily up to the northern reaches of Trento and Friuli ,” said Secondo. “At its best, Italian food is healthy as well as delicious, emphasizing fresh, regional ingredients, balance and moderation. And GRI will continue to be a leader in advocating for authentic, quality Italian cuisine prepared for American audiences.”  

About GRI
Founded in 1979, Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani is a national, not-for-profit trade association comprised of some of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States . GRI boasts over 130 members serving a diverse range of Italian regional cuisine. GRI's mission is to promote authentic Italian food and wines to American audiences, educate new generations of Italian food and wine lovers and provide its members with marketing and promotional support. GRI provides culinary scholarships, sponsors fundraising events and conducts educational tours of Italy 's diverse culinary landscape.

Contact: Dario Chiarini, Dentsu Communications, (212) 660-6798