Omaha Exploration

Over the last several weeks we explored the history of some of the most iconic Caniglia restaurants including Original Caniglia’s Pizzaria and Steak House, Piccolo Pete’s and Mister C’s. We’ll finish the series with Venice Inn.

Nuncio (Eli) Caniglia was the fourth child of Cirino (Charles) and Giovanna (Jennie) Caniglia. Eli played a pivotal role in opening Omaha’s first pizzeria after returning home from serving in the Army Air Corp during World War II. For more on that story, check out my story Original Caniglia’s Pizzaria and Steak House. 

He continued to work at the family restaurant from 1946 to 1957 but it became clear over time that it couldn’t support all of his siblings and their families. In 1957 he followed the lead of his sister who operated Piccolo Pete’s with her husband and his brother who found success with Mister C’s. 

He bought property at 69th and Pacific Street near Aksarben. On that land he opened the 150-seat Venice Inn at a cost of $27,000. The day after its grand opening, Pacific Street was closed so a new bridge could be constructed over the Little Papio Creek. Over the next 10 months, customers were required to drive over a dirt road from 72nd in order to reach the restaurant. 

As if that weren’t enough, a fire gutted the building in 1963 causing Eli to remodel the restaurant. When it reopened a few months later, the interior was completely different. Decorated with cobblestones, gaslights, old brick and wood, it resembled an Italian courtyard which offered a relaxing atmosphere for dining. The lounge featured a 35-foot waterfall. Diners had the option of dining “On the Terrace” or in the “Gala Night Room”. 

Venice Inn included a bakery that he expanded in order to sell Italian twist bread in local grocery stores. Eli continued to work at the restaurant until shortly before passing away in 1983. His wife Gloria continued to work in the there for a while before retiring and dedicating her time to the Sienna-Francis House after he passed. 

Sons Jerry and Chuck started working at the restaurant when they were just 13 years old and worked their way up from the bottom learning every aspect of running a restaurant. As adults, they took it over and continued the Caniglia family legacy. Venice Inn remained popular for its Italian dishes, steaks, seafood and pizza from family recipes that go all the way back to the family’s native Sicily. The restaurant which managed to survive the closure of the nearby racetrack in 1995 which undoubtedly brought plenty of business to its door. It was even featured in the Food Wars television program alongside Piccolo Pete’s.

After decades of labor intensive and demanding work, the brothers decided it was time to retire in 2014 so they could spend more time with their families. With their children established in their own careers, there was no one to take over the restaurant.

By the time the restaurant closed in 2014 its capacity was 465 which speaks to its popularity. Chuck Caniglia said in an interview with Omaha Magazine that “I never worked anywhere else. That was our life, we felt honored to continue Dad’s work, and we enjoyed our customers so much. I miss interacting with them the most.” In 2015 Venice Inn was razed to make way for a strip mall that includes Legend’s Patio Grill and Bar which coincidentally was also run by two brothers. 

This wraps up my series on the Caniglia siblings’ restaurants, though its worths mentioning that they operated several others that I did not cover including Al Caniglia’s Drawing Room, Palazzo ‘Taliano, Luigi’s, Top of the World at Woodmen Tower and others. The Caniglia’s run of successful restaurants is unprecedented in Omaha. Cheers to all of the great meals and memories.

Please feel free to comment to share your thoughts and memories.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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