ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg restaurant owner is taking comfort food to a new level by offering up free meals to unemployed hospitality workers.

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For five weeks now, Gratzzi Italian Grille owner Tony Mangiafico has been serving meals free of charge, despite having to close his own 2nd Street South dining room.

“Thankfully, I’m able to do this out of my own pocket,” Mangiafico said. “Almost 4,400 meals.”

Mangiafico calls it much needed comfort food for those now struggling to make ends meet.

“Everything is made by me every morning. It all depends on what I feel like,” Mangiafico said. “For example today, I’m making penne vodka with a house salad.”

Mangiafico calls food his passion and said it's also a way to express love for his community.

“I want to tell them that somebody is there that cares for them,” he said. “And all together we can win this.” 

Gratzzi Italian Grille is also offering take out to paying customers. To check out their menu visit them on the web at http://gratzzigrille.com.