The Latin King, originally established by Jim and Rose Pigneri in 1947, acquired its owner's name after Bob and Amy Tursi purchased the restaurant in August of 1983. Former owner Pigneri, as well as Tursi's parents, hailed from Terravecchia, Italy before immigrating to the United States. To this day, their Italian heritage shines through in the restaurant's signature dishes. Tursi's first experience in the restaurant business came while he was 16 and working at the Crystal Tree restaurant. He purchased Latin King when he was 21 and at age 54 has over 35 years of industry experience under his belt. "I'm full-blooded Italian and my father instilled a good work ethic in me and the pride that goes with having a good family name." The Latin King continues to honor the Tursi family name and is regarded as the "best Italian restaurant" by local press and dining enthusiasts.
