.jpg)
Our History - Meatballs to Mozart
"So set'em up Joe, I've got a little story, you ought to know..
Growing up an Italian-American, I had a very simple and happy life. My parents were first generation Italian-American. My father worked in a ball-bearing factory and my mother took care of the household while raising four children. I never knew what we didn't have because we were surrounded by love from our extended immigrant family. As a child, I was surrounded with plentiful food, homemade wine, Italian polkas, lots of family and neighborhood friends. We were instilled with Italian traditions to be respectful, proud and helpful to those in our community. With open arms, our community became our family.
One day in 1982, while drinking a cheap bottle of Reunite Lambrusco on ice, my beautiful wife and I had a vision. We decided to embark on a new path and move our three little girls to my wife's hometown of Bemus Point, NY for a life-changing adventure. We gave up everything, took a giant leap of faith to follow our dream and The Italian Fisherman was born.
Over two decades into rolling meatballs and "rockin' on the dock", I decided to push the envelope and produce a 36-piece symphony orchestra to perform an open-air concert for a finale of the summer season on the roof of the restaurant. They said it couldn't be done. They were wrong. Today, it is a 20+ year tradition that has moved next door onto the Floating Stage with the creation of the Bemus Bay Pops, a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization with a mission of 'Bringing the Arts to the People'. It is a true milestone and gift to the entire region. We are very proud of this accomplishment.
As my family and I celebrate 35+ years in the business, we humbly reflect on the changing times, operational growth, our "Fish" family of past and current staff, four amazing grandchildren and decades of lasting memories that this wonderful journey has given to us.
We are proud to have inspired and enpowered others to think forward, thinking outside the box and not be fearful of pursing dreams.
We are very thankful and truly appreciate everyone who continues to support our efforts and enjoy our wonderful hospitality in our home. So when you visit, always remember, "You are Family".
"Hope you didn't mind my bending your ear. So make it one for my baby and one more for the road.. The long, long road.."
Cheers!!
Dan Dalpra & La Famiglia
