Genova's To Go celebrated 50 years in business with an outdoor party at its Westminster location on Sunday, Aug. 30, and the city marked the occasion with a Mayoral Proclamation declaring the day "Genova's To Go Day."
The celebration, held from 12 to 2 p.m. outside the 140 Village Shopping Center restaurant, featured an outdoor pizza oven, free slices and cannoli cake, as well as games with giveaways, including Genova’s t-shirts, soft coolers and more. The Westminster location has been open for 20 years.
Council President Tony Chiavacci presented the proclamation on behalf of the Mayor and Common Council, paraphrasing its contents. "What it really talks about is what Genova's means to the Westminster community," Chiavacci said, pointing to the restaurant's donations of meals to teachers at the start of each school year and its practice of staying open during major snowstorms to feed city road crews. "While it sounds like not a big deal, it is a big deal," he said. "You guys are generous, give to the community, and that means a lot to us in the city."
Mayor Mona Becker spoke next at the event, citing an estimate that only 10 to 15% of businesses reach the 50-year milestone. "I think when a business has reached that 50-year anniversary, it's really a milestone to celebrate. And so I'm thrilled that we can do it in Westminster."
Councilman Kevin Dayhoff was on hand for the presentation, and Chiavacci said Councilman Thomas Beyard had stopped by earlier in the event.
The proclamation, adopted by the Mayor and Common Council on Aug. 24, credits the founding of Genova's To Go to Salvatore Marciano, a baker from Carini, Sicily, who opened the restaurant's first location in Hanover, Pennsylvania, in 1976. It describes the business as a family-owned, third-generation Italian restaurant, with the Westminster location currently operated by owner Troy Lochner.
According to Genova's To Go's website, the business expanded from Hanover to Hampstead, Maryland, in 1978, then added locations in Manchester, Maryland, in 2003, Westminster in 2006 and Eldersburg, Maryland, in 2023. The original Hanover store closed for 23 years before reopening in 2012. Genova's To Go now operates five locations across Carroll County and Hanover.
The proclamation also cites the restaurant's sponsorships of Carroll Community College, McDaniel College, the Boys and Girls Club of Carroll County, Westminster High School and Winters Mill High School, along with its multiple years being voted Carroll County's Best Pizza.