Picone, a delightful Italian dining establishment, has garnered admiration from the local residents of Denton due to its artistic, welcoming, and entertaining ambiance. Co-owner and chef Tony Neglia, along with his brother Michael, created the concept with a strong emphasis on family values. The very name, Picone, pays tribute to Neglia’s maternal grandfather, who spent many years operating a pizza dough company. Neglia believes that food symbolizes family, and many of the menu items are inspired by his upbringing, with his own personal flair added.
One of the most heartening aspects of Picone’s success is the sense of community it has fostered in Denton, as evidenced by a dedicated Reddit thread praising the restaurant. Patrons have expressed their gratitude for Picone, not only for its delicious cuisine, but also for the nurturing and supportive environment it provides for its staff.
Neglia, a long-time Denton resident, has been deeply involved in the local restaurant scene. Throughout the pandemic, he made extra efforts to keep the spirit of his business alive, using social media to connect with the community. His lighthearted and creative approach, including dressing up in a hot dog costume, was well-received and served to humanize the business.
Following the unfortunate fire at Boca 31, Neglia’s previous restaurant, the community turned to Picone as a spiritual successor. Social media posts have linked the two establishments, and this sentiment is reflected in Neglia’s decision to hire several former Boca 31 employees, as a way of honouring the close-knit community that had formed around the previous restaurant.
While Neglia emphasises the distinctiveness of Picone as a separate entity from Boca 31, he maintains a deep respect and affection for his former colleagues. His future plans include expanding the menu and organizing various events to further unite the community. Picone has already hosted diverse events, from brunches to magic shows, and Neglia has even considered inviting guest chefs for special occasions.
Above all, Neglia’s primary objective is to ensure that his culinary creations are accessible and enjoyable for the community. The restaurant’s operating hours reflect this, with it being open from Tuesday to Saturday, and Neglia is committed to serving food that brings delight to the people of Denton.
Picone serves as a testament to the power of community and the influence of soulful, family-oriented dining establishments like it. As Neglia continues to pour his heart and culinary expertise into the restaurant, it is evident that Picone will remain a significant part of Denton’s cultural landscape for years to come.