Mountain View's downtown turkey day tradition continues. Ristorante Don Giovanni at 235 Castro St. will hold its 23rd annual Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Owner John Akkaya said he came to America from Turkey in 1980 without any money. After volunteering for restaurants in Chicago, he vowed to give back when he got his own restaurant.

Akkaya opened up Cafe Figaro at 1318 Broadway in Burlingame in 1983 and began his annual thanks to the community by providing a free Thanksgiving dinner.

It was so successful that six years later he moved his business to the bigger Ristorante Don Giovanni location in 1989 where it has been ever since.

"It has been wonderful," Akkaya said. "First we served 300 to 400, then 400 to 500, and it just got too big for Cafe Figaro."

Don Giovanni can seat about 1,500 people and Akkaya said he expects the restaurant will serve more than 1,300 people Thursday.

"Everyone is welcome," he said. "I treat them like they are coming into my home."

Cooks have been prepping for the dinner, which runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., since Tuesday. Akkaya said a cook will be working overnight to make finishing touches.

Akkaya said the restaurant will serve a total of 125 turkeys.

Students from St. Francis High School will be volunteering as servers, Akkaya said.

"I'm very fortunate to do this," Akkaya said. "The community should get all the thanks."

— Bay City News Service

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