484 / 540
483
THE BONARELLI FAMILY
Peppino went from the restaurant business
to importing wines in 1978. This was a some-
what risky venture, especially considering that at
that time most Dominicans consumed rum and
beer. The few wines that were consumed were
rosé, semi-sweet or of low quality.
Despite the cultural bias, the new import
company, which they named El Catador, began
to influence the tastes of Dominicans. It began
by introducing Italian and then Chilean wines,
later branching out to imported wines from all
over the world. One of the strategies used in this
new adventure, as a way to entice local palates,
emphasized education—in other words, teach-
ing the public how to drink wine. Today the
company, after more than 40 years in business, is
a leader in the country’s wine market.
Peppino had a wine shop on Plaza Naco,
which was called La Bodega. One day Annibale
came to visit him and suggested that his son also sell pizza, which might be more profitable. This is how Piz-
zarrelli came into being in the 1980s. Success came immediately. In the first week it opened, a long line formed
to sample a slice of the new Italian pizza. The first Pizzarelli establishments were located on Plaza Naco, Ar-
royo Hondo, and along the Malecón. There are now 26 stores scattered throughout Greater Santo Domingo
and in many inland cities.
El Vesuvio remained open for business until 2016, offering a superb, high-quality dining experience for
more than 60 years. Its contributions to the gastronomy and palates of the Dominican Republic are indis-
putable.
Annibale’s hard work and creative vision earned him respect in Dominican society, in the Italian commu-
nity, and among international tourists.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS RECEIVED BY ANNIBALE BONARELLI
1972
“Cavaliere dell’Ordine al merito della
Repubblica italiana” (Knight in the Order
of Merit of the Italian Republic / Decree
108992 S. 1).
Awarded by the Italian government,
President Giovanni Leone.
1983
Timón de Oro del Turismo
Dominican government, under the
administration of Salvador Jorge Blanco.
1983
Golden Helm International Tourism
Award
Awarded by the World Tourism Association.
1998
Distinguished Citizen
Awarded by the City Council for the
National District, under the administration
of Rafael Suberví Bonilla.
1998
Cavaliere Ufficiale – Official Knighthood
(No. 27759).
Awarded by Italian government,
President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro.
The venue of the new
Vesuvio restaurant in
Santo Domingo, 1959.
© Courtesy of the
Bonarelli Family