Amongst the loud chatter of families and the comforting smell of freshly-cooked pasta, Damien Mandola floats from table to table, cheerfully greeting his many customers at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen in Bee Cave. International sports team flags drift down from the rafters and old family photos decorate the walls of the charming restaurant, which feels reminiscent of a cozy, local joint in Little Italy. 

On Saturday, June 14, he celebrated his 50th anniversary since buying his first restaurant at the age of 21. To honor the milestone, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen set prices to $2.75 per dish for the first 50 people who visited each of the franchise’s locations.