Given the abundance of nearby water bodies, it comes as no surprise that seafood is quite popular across the broader San Diego region.
Regardless of whether you’re a resident of La Mesa or just stopping by for business or leisure, enjoying some quality seafood might be high on your list. In that case, consider heading over to Anthony’s Fish Grotto.
La Mesa Courier
I recently caught up with Craig Ghio, owner of Anthony’s Fish Grotto, for an emailed Q&A session.
LMC:
What led to the establishment of Anthony’s Fish Grotto, and what factors have contributed to its popularity among both residents and tourists?
Ghio:
Founded in 1946 (with their 80th anniversary coming up soon), Anthony’s Fish Grotto was established by Mama Catherine Ghio along with her sons Tod and Anthony, and her son-in-law Roy Weber. Initially starting out as a modest eatery, it became San Diego’s premier full-fledged seafood establishment, boasting an extensive range of dishes crafted using Mama Ghio’s special sauces and dressings. The key to their enduring popularity lies in providing a vast assortment of freshly sourced seafood, meticulously prepared and presented alongside warm service from a picturesque setting. After nearly eight decades in business, they continue to be the go-to destination within San Diego County for those seeking the widest choice of fresh seafood options.
LMC:
Considering that many eateries faced difficulties and unfortunately closed down during the pandemic, what strategies did Anthony’s employ to stay resilient and adaptive throughout these challenging times?
Ghio:
During this challenging time, we benefited from several factors. Primarily, our customers were remarkably devoted and supportive. Additionally, we possessed one of the biggest and most picturesque outdoor dining areas in East County. Initially, we excelled with an extensive takeaway operation before transitioning smoothly when outside seating became permissible. Furthermore, we swiftly redesigned our interior space to provide greater spacing between seats. Ultimately, it was the unwavering support of our patrons that carried us through these times.
LMC:
Although excellent cuisine is essential for any eatery’s triumph, share some insights into your team and their significant contribution to your achievement.
Ghio:
We’re incredibly proud of having numerous long-standing employees who often work for us for 40 years or longer. This achievement serves two critical purposes: it ensures consistent quality in both food and beverage services, as well as fostering familiar bonds among our staff and servers. There’s something special about being recognized—knowing someone remembers your name and prefers to serve your usual drink just right. Both of our General Managers, Valaree and Vicky, boast over three decades with us, which contributes significantly to stable leadership and seamless daily operations, reducing overall stress within the team. Another key factor contributing to employee contentment is our policy of closing down on most significant holidays, allowing everyone ample time off to celebrate with their families.
LMC:
What are your future plans for Anthony’s, and what objectives do you aim to achieve with the company?
Ghio:
We’re continually tweaking the menu to maintain freshness while keeping beloved classics intact. Recently, we introduced a delightful Sunday Brunch experience that enhances outdoor dining beside our picturesque pond. Additionally, we’re looking into partnering with the city of La Mesa to construct a substantial event pavilion behind our pond area. Given that La Mesa lacks an idyllic location suitable for weddings and similar occasions, this addition could fill a significant void. Beyond these efforts, our aim remains unchanged: to uphold our status as San Diego County’s premier choice for seafood cuisine.
ANTHONY’S FISH GROTTO
Address: 9530 Murray Drive, La Mesa
Phone number: (619) 463-0368
Website: anthonysfishgrotto.com
Social media: facebook.com/GoFishAnthonys
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