by Jeff Achen
Thisweek Newspapers

April 16, 1991 was a special day for Danny Sarno. Then Governor Arne Carlson proclaimed it Daniel Sarno Day in recognition of his success as a restaurateur in the Twin Cities.

"I try to say that it's every year. I even try to talk the schools into it's a holiday," he joked while standing in the shell of his new restaurant April 16.

Sarno's original Italian recipes were a success in both his White Bear Lake and Edina stores, but by 2003 he had sold the White Bear Lake store location and was feeling pressure from a growing number of restaurants and a stressful schedule, so he closed the Edina store. He thought he'd never open a restaurant again.

But his family wasn't fooled. His children, 13-year-old Alex and 10-year-old Gabriella, said they knew their dad was meant to own a restaurant. In fact, they said they wanted in on the action. Alex said he and his sister plan to spend a lot of time at the new eatery at it's location on the corner of Galaxie Avenue and 153rd Street in downtown Apple Valley.

"It's fun because it's like another home," Alex said. He said he even plans on going to work. "I like to dishwash a lot."

"We'll see how long that lasts," Sarno laughed.

Gabriella chimed in too.

"The last time I was a hostess. So, I'm going to be a cashier this time," she said.

In true Italian fashion, Sarno bills the new restaurant as a family eatery, a place where customers will not only see his face a lot, but the faces of his family.

"I think customers like to see that it's a family owned restaurant," he said. "This is a big part of my life. I would not have done this without their support."

Two Guys

Two Guys From Italy started as a chain of restaurants on the west coast. Sarno began working there after he came to the U.S. from Italy in 1978.

"They taught me everything I know," he said.

In 1981, they offered Sarno the opportunity to open their first Midwest restaurant in White Bear Lake. Eventually, Sarno purchased the name rights for the Midwest region and opened a second store in Edina. He began adding his own family recipes to the menu and was gaining in popularity in the Twin Cities area for his pizza, chicken Florentine and chicken cacciatore.

He said the Two Guys From Italy chain has disappeared from the west coast today. It seemed it was gone from Minnesota until now.

He said the approach he's taken with the new restaurant is a little different this time around. Apple Valley doesn't have a lot of competition serving Italian cuisine, but Sarno also recognizes people are looking for something quick and cheap.

That's why Two Guys From Italy will be an eatery, not a fine dining establishment. His original recipes will be served hot and fresh on a food bar, with some menu items cooked to order. Everything, Sarno insists, will be ready within 10 minutes and all for under $10.

"We decided to update the concept and give it a flavor for today. An eatery –– it's very economical," he said. "We used to eat huge portions, now-a-days we go for more moderate portions and healthy eating choices. You go to a fast food place and you get the fast food calories. I'm giving you a nice healthy meal, freshly cooked for the same price."

Sarno is excited about the new venture. Apple Valley will get a new Italian eatery and Sarno and his family will get back in front of customers.

"I miss the customers, I miss the people," he said.

Jeff Achen can be reached at av.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

Comment from Rachel Collette, 12/10/07

Years ago I ate at a Two Guys from Italy Restaurant several times. It has since closed in my city and there aren't any nearby. One of my favorite dishes was Tortellini alla Panna. Would it be possible to get a recipe of that dish?

Thank you very much!
Rachel Collette