Gus Ghassemkhani has been around longer than any other pizzeria
owner in Morgan Hill. After 22 years as owner of the Round Table,
the 59-year-old will no longer be receiving free pizzas.
Gus Ghassemkhani has been around longer than any other pizzeria owner in Morgan Hill. After 22 years as owner of the Round Table, the 59-year-old will no longer be receiving free pizzas.
“I’m almost 60 years old,” Ghassemkhani said. “I’ve been working for the past 40 years and want to take it easy and relax a little if I can.”
Ghassemkhani said he plans to do some part-time contracting construction work on the side.
Round Table in Morgan Hill was opened in November 1978 by Don and Arlene Nichols.
At that time, it was only the second pizzeria in Morgan Hill. Straw Hat, was the first and was located where Spero’s Restaurant is now.
Ghassemkhani purchased the store in November of 1981 and has been there ever since. April 30 will be his last day at Round Table.
“Morgan Hill has grown a lot since I’ve been here,” Ghassemkhani said. “For a while Round Table was the only pizza parlor for a long time and the only hangout for kids after school.”
“A lot have opened up since I have been here,” Ghassemkhani added. “For many years we have been accomodating kids after school, sports or events.”
Ghassemkhani has been like a grandpa to his customers and employees. He in turn has been rewarded with devotion as many customers know him by name.
“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the people,” Ghassemkhani said. “I would like to thank all the customers. I really love to talk to people.”
Ghassemkhani also opened the taqueria next to Round Table and Precision Tuning before selling them.
“It provided good jobsecurity,” Ghassemkhani said of his experience at Round Table. “It’s been Iots of fun and lots of work. It has been very good financially and mentally. I have really enjoyed it.”
Ghassemkhani sold the franchise to the headquarters in Concord.
The restaurant will still be Round Table for now, but a small part of it will be missing after Ghassemkhani’s retirement.
