Gruppo Italiano (GI) is the only non-profit association in North America dedicated to developing the success of Italian Restaurants, Distributors, Importers, and other Italian businesses and cultural organizations here in the United States. Gruppo Italiano (GI) was formed by Italian restaurateur and owner of Il Gattopardo Group, Gianfranco Sorrentino, as an evolution from the original Gruppo Risto
ranti Italiani (GRI), which was established in 1979. GI is dedicated to popularizing authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wines and Italian products, and enhancing its image in the United States through education, member restaurants and promotions. GI strives to provide a constant flow of information about Italian cuisine to member restaurants, US press, culinary schools, importers, distributors and general consumers with a serious interest in authentic Italian food. ABOUT GIANFRANCO SORRENTINO (DIRECTOR)
Originally from Naples, Italy, owner Gianfranco Sorrentino carries over 30 years of experience in restaurant management, some of these include Quisitana Hotel in Capri, Dorchester Hotel in London, Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo, Bice Restaurant in New York, Sette MoMA Restaurant at The Museum of Modern Art of New York, Union Bar and Grill in Great Barrington, MA, Mozzarella & Vino, and The Leopard at des Artistes, located in the New York landmark Hotel des Artistes.
