In the heart of Reno, a local eatery has become more than just a place to enjoy good food. Since its inception in 1997, Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill has not only delighted patrons with its culinary offerings but has also played a significant role in community service.
Two years after opening its doors, the restaurant launched Moms on the Run, a charity dedicated to assisting Nevada women battling breast cancer. This initiative, founded in 1999, has been a beacon of hope for many affected by the disease.
“It’s an organization my parents founded 25 years ago, and it’s called Pinocchio’s Moms on the Run. The Pinocchio family sucks up a lot of the administrative costs with putting on all of our events. That way, almost all of the money that we raise goes to the people that it needs to go to,” shared manager Jillian Pinocchio.
Anthony Angelopoulos
/
KUNR Public Radio
Beyond their charitable work, the Pinocchio family is a familiar presence at various events around Reno. They serve as the primary food vendor for the Reno Rodeo and extend their services to smaller gatherings, like the Reno High School’s Freshman Day.
The family’s dedication to community involvement is evident in their philosophy. “I think it’s really important to do your part to be involved in the community… if it’s something small, like, attending an event, or if it’s something big, like starting an organization, whatever you’re capable of, I think being a part of this community, you should do your part to give back to it,” Jillian Pinocchio emphasized.
Anthony Angelopoulos is a senior at Reno High School and a participant in KUNR’s Youth Media program, a special partnership with the Washoe County School District to train the next generation of journalists.
