Marquis Who's Who Recognizes Antonio T. Morabito for Excellence in Hospitality
Press Release February 6, 2026
Antonio T. Morabito is a renowned restaurateur and business owner with a reputation for uplifting struggling establishments and creating welcoming environments
img img
He takes particular pride in the affection and loyalty expressed by his customers, many of whom insist that his presence makes their dining experience unique.

HAMPTON, VA, February 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Antonio T. Morabito has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Morabito's journey in the hospitality sector is marked by entrepreneurial vision, resilience and a steadfast commitment to quality and community. As the owner of Anna's Pizza #2 in Newport News, Virginia, he has established a reputation for revitalizing struggling businesses and transforming them into thriving establishments. Since acquiring Anna's Pizza #2 from a family that had previously opened several locations, he recognized its untapped potential despite a lack of profitability at the time. Within two years under his leadership, the restaurant flourished, earning acclaim from loyal patrons who frequently praise the quality of the food he serves and the welcoming atmosphere he cultivates.

For more than two decades, Mr. Morabito successfully managed Golden Pizza at Coliseum Mall in Hampton, Virginia. He initially purchased the establishment in 1976 with financial assistance from his sister, overcoming early challenges such as sleeping atop a U-Haul truck due to a lack of accommodations. His determination paid off quickly; within three days of opening, he generated $1,800 in sales and soon built a loyal customer base drawn by the quality of his pizza. On Black Friday in 1978, he achieved a milestone by earning over $4,000 in a single day after selling slices for 50 cents each.

Building on this momentum, Mr. Morabito acquired the Italian Pavilion — a 180-seat restaurant within the same mall — from Pappy's Enterprise. After three years at the helm of this larger venue, he sold it while retaining Golden Pizza and expanded his business interests by purchasing Van Pizza House in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This seasonal venture required long hours — often working from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. — and after six to seven years of dedicated operation, he sold the land and returned to focus on Golden Pizza.

Mr. Morabito has been widely recognized for his achievements and business philosophy, notably in the feature article "Anna's Pizza & Italian Restaurant: Grab a Slice of Goodness," published by Oyster Pointer in 2025. He takes particular pride in the affection and loyalty expressed by his customers, many of whom insist that his presence makes their dining experience unique. His hands-on approach extends to every aspect of the operations at his restaurants; he personally prepares all soups using cherished family recipes and ensures cleanliness by tending to daily maintenance tasks himself.

Reflecting on his storied journey thus far, Mr. Morabito credits his enduring work ethic — he is the first to arrive each morning and the last to leave each night — as vital to his ongoing success.

Mr. Morabito's career is distinguished not only by business acumen but also by his compassion for others. He welcomes children seeking food with open arms rather than turning them away and has maintained lasting relationships with customers and families who span generations. Though his journey counts many milestones, two of his more notable moments include serving actress Jamie Lee Curtis during her film production stay — after which he received personal notes of appreciation for outstanding service — and hosting the famed Italian tenor singer Andrea Bocelli after a concert performance.

Beyond his business endeavors, Mr. Morabito is deeply committed to civic engagement and philanthropy. He regularly donates meals to local fire departments, police departments and hospitals and has provided support through Youth Challenge by organizing pizza deliveries for approximately 100 children during the Christmas holiday season. His charitable contributions have also extended to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and include financial assistance to individuals facing hardship both locally and abroad.

In recognition of his generosity and impact on the community, Mr. Morabito was invited by Joe Frank, mayor of Newport News, to receive a community award honoring his charitable work. Having personally experienced significant hardships and challenges along his own path, he is known for supporting his employees through personal loans without expectation of repayment when they demonstrate integrity and need.

Also an accomplished real estate investor, Mr. Morabito has assembled holdings including two brownstones in New York and has collaborated with developers on condominium projects in Jersey City through connections established by his nephew.

Happily married for over 40 years and a proud father of three children, Mr. Morabito cherishes time spent with his family and friends and enjoys watching soccer outside of work. He remains dedicated to mentoring staff members at his restaurant, imparting best practices in customer service and emphasizing that every guest deserves exceptional treatment upon entering the establishment. Drawing inspiration from early mentors during his formative years working at Lenny's Pizza Wagon in Brooklyn, he strives to instill these values in those who will carry his legacy long into the future.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #

Contact Information

-- --

Marquis Who's Who Ventures LLC

Uniondale, NY

USA

Telephone: 844-394-6946

Email: Email Us Here

Website: Visit Our Website

Follow Us: fb in x