Gina Shatto

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition

Beginnings

Gina Shatto’s culinary journey began at a very young age, deeply influenced by her Nona and mother. Growing up in Northeast Kansas City, Gina spent her weekends immersed in the rich traditions of Italian cooking. She learned the art of preparing fresh, homemade dishes from ingredients picked directly out of the garden. Sundays were reserved for making “Sugo” – homemade sauce – and freshly baked Italian bread, traditions that became the backbone of her culinary skills.

Early Life

Gina attended Holy Cross Catholic School in Northeast Kansas City where she nurtured her early love for cooking. This passion was born from weekly trips to the city market with her family, where they would source the freshest fruits and vegetables for their meals. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Passion Realized

Having resided in Plattsburg for over eight years with her husband, Leroy Shatto, Gina experienced a pivotal moment that reignited her passion for cooking. A sign reading “Do What You Love” became the catalyst for her decision to start serving authentic Italian food to the Plattsburg community. With unwavering support from her husband Leroy Shatto, Gina embarked on this new venture with enthusiasm and dedication.

Community Engagement

Gina began by sharing her culinary creations on social media, offering weekly dishes to friends and neighbors. Her authentic approach quickly garnered a loyal client base, leading her to outgrow her home kitchen. The overwhelming community support and demand for her meals culminated in the grand opening of Gina’s Italian Pasta storefront in downtown Plattsburg on May 4th, 2024.

Business Model

Gina’s Italian Pasta operates on a simple yet effective business model: providing takeout meals that capture the essence of Italian home cooking. Visitors can choose from a variety of homemade Italian dishes for lunch or dinner, complete with fresh Italian bread from Sugar Whipped bakery, homemade cheesecakes by her husband, cannolis, and Spumoni ice cream for dessert. The business also plans to introduce homemade gelato from Chill Ice Cream soon.

One of the standout offerings is Gina’s Pan of Lasagna, which has become a community favorite. Due to high demand, Gina recommends ordering lasagna in advance. Additionally, her business offers a catering service that allows customers to place orders for special events with at least seven days’ notice.

Rich Sicilian Heritage

Gina’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in her rich Sicilian heritage. Her mother’s journey from Compreale, Sicily to the United States at the age of 15 is a testament to the family’s enduring connection to their culinary traditions. Arriving in the USA on March 2, 1963, her mother’s family name is proudly engraved on the wall at Ellis Island, marking their place in American history.

Gina’s father’s lineage hails from Ragusa, Sicily. The Cascone name, her maiden name, is well-known in the Northland, where her family owns the renowned Cascone’s Italian restaurant. Established in 1954, Cascone’s has been a staple of classic Italian cuisine for four generations and is celebrating 70 years in business this year.

Future Aspirations

As the founder of Gina’s Italian Pasta and Catering, Gina has successfully translated her love for cooking into a thriving business that serves the Plattsburg community. Her commitment to offering authentic Italian meals has not only enriched the local culinary scene but has also brought a piece of her heritage to her customers.

With dreams of expanding her offerings and continuing to serve her community, Gina looks forward to sharing her homemade Italian food with even more people. Her guiding motto, “mangiare bene,” meaning “Eat Good” in Italian, encapsulates her mission to provide delicious, heartfelt meals that bring joy and comfort to all who taste them.

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Gina Shatto

Managing Owner & Chef of Gina’s Italian Pasta

https://ginastakeout.com/

104 W Locust, Plattsburg, MO 64477