Equity Bank Recognizes: Martinelli’s Little Italy & 25+ Years at the Table

Few restaurants can honestly say they’re woven into the fabric of a community. Martinelli’s Little Italy Restaurant is one of them.

Established in 2001, Martinelli’s has now been serving Salina for more than 25 years, recently celebrating that milestone with the same things that made it famous in the first place: generous portions, familiar faces, and an atmosphere that feels like home the moment you walk in.

Founded by local restaurateur Tony Dong, Martinelli’s quickly became a go-to destination for family dinners, celebrations, pre-show meals, and out-of-town guests looking for a place that felt unmistakably Salina.

Today, the restaurant stands as one of the most recognizable dining spots in the city, with more than 2,900 Google reviews, making it the most-reviewed restaurant in Salina and second only to the Cozy Inn. Over the years, it has also become a familiar stop for performers visiting town, with dozens of artists dining there after shows at the nearby Stiefel Theatre.

Regulars often point to the same signatures: the family-size portions that ensure no one leaves hungry, the chop salad that has become something of a local legend, and the warm, lively atmosphere that works just as well for a quiet weeknight dinner as it does for a packed weekend crowd.

For many in Salina, Martinelli’s represents far more than a place to eat.

“Martinelli’s Little Italy has always been more than a restaurant. It is a place where people gather to create lasting memories with the ones they love,” said Ashley McArthur, Director of Marketing and Events at Long McArthur Ford. “Tony and his family have consistently given back to the community, which is why Martinelli’s holds such a special place in Salina. When you walk in and see the walls lined with celebrities who have dined there, you’re reminded that while it is a local favorite, it is also appreciated far beyond our city. From daddy-daughter dates to proposals, Martinelli’s has a way of making every meal feel meaningful.”

For Chad Koehn, CEO of United Capital Management of Kansas, the restaurant has been a constant throughout both his personal and professional life.

“I’ve dined there over 1,000 times in those 25 years. That’s not an exaggeration,” Koehn said. “They are our go-to caterers as well. Like the sitcom Cheers, you want to go where everyone knows your name. Tony and most of the staff know your name after a few visits. His service, and the way he trains wait staff, is as consistent as any five-star restaurant I’ve ever been to. New York perfect. His commitment to downtown helped hold downtown together back when little else was holding it together. Sixty percent of our clients drive to Salina to see us, then Martinelli’s is their destination restaurant.”

That leadership and longevity stand out even to others who know the restaurant business well.

“As someone who knows the challenges of the business, for a homegrown operation to celebrate their 25th anniversary in this day and age is impressive,” said Doug Rempp, Salina City Commissioner and longtime McDonald’s franchise owner. “What makes Martinelli’s special, first and foremost, is Tony. He has great staff that follow his lead. Tony and Martinelli’s found a way forward year after year. Exactly what a true entrepreneur does. My hat is off to Tony and Martinelli’s. Great leadership and persistence pay dividends. Mega congrats on your 25 years.”

That sense of consistency and presence is something many customers notice the moment they walk through the door.

“Martinelli’s Little Italy remains a true Salina staple with its red-checked tablecloths, great food, warm smiles, and an owner working right alongside the staff,” said Alisha Jester, Director of Business and Community Partnerships at Salina Tech and Realtor with SalinaHomes.

For Tony Dong and his team, the milestone isn’t simply about longevity. It’s about relationships built over decades, staff members who’ve spent years in the same dining room, and customers who measure their lives in birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday meals shared around familiar tables.

As Salina continues to grow and evolve, Martinelli’s Little Italy remains a constant—proof that doing the basics well, year after year, still matters.

Here’s to 25 more years at the table.

Martinelli’s Little Italy Restaurant
📍 158 S. Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401
📞 (785) 826-9190
🍽️ Menu: martinellisonline.com