Arriving in Auburn, WA from Sicily in 1957, Giovanni Diquattro still recalls his first time at Rainbow Cafe, at just five years old.
In fact, it resonated so deeply that 55 years later, he bought the place!
The 92-year-old historic landmark has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day since 1929.
“Anybody who’s grown up in Auburn, you’ve been to the café. Whether you came during your childhood, teenage years or all grown up, it’s remained a staple across generations,” Giovanni says.
After graduating from Auburn Senior High, Giovanni launched his culinary career, returning to Italy to study with his relatives, to then attending culinary school in the U.S. While his passion for food has deep roots, his education was the turning point that allowed him to pursue it as his profession.
“I’ve been passionate about cooking throughout my life, especially with my Italian roots – my mother was a great cook and so was my grandmother, and I’m just following in their footsteps,” Giovanni notes.
The early years of his career involved plenty of travelling, with as his role as an executive chef for a catering company taking him to various locations around the world. By 2013, he realized there really is no place like home and purchased the Rainbow Café.
A lasting legacy
The café’s longstanding history in the community was important to Giovanni, who kept both the classic diner menu and the familiar name. But he also loves the opportunity to build upon and be part of this incredible legacy.
With the class of 1956 and 1964, as well as the 1952 football team from Auburn Senior High School meeting once a month, the reputation lives on.
“It’s been so amazing to see how happy people are that Rainbow Café is here to stay. It means so much to so many people and to have their goodwill and happy faces here is incredibly rewarding.” Giovanni notes.
To browse their offerings online for inspiration on your next bite to eat, check out their menu! The Rainbow Cafe is open for take-out or delivery from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and you can place your order online or give them a call at 253-833-1880. Additionally, the restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the bars hours are from 7 a.m. to midnight.
