"A new San Marcos restaurant paying tribute to a longtime local restaurant opened in early August, under the same name. Valentino’s is found in San Marco’s Square at 1100 North LBJ Drive. Originally, the space had been pizzeria Pizza Plaza, which opened in 1972. The then-owners couldn’t go forward with the business because of debts, and delivery staffer Bijan Afkami offered to take responsibility for the restaurant and its debts. He turned it into Valentino’s in 1981. The restaurant went through several owners during its history, but it closed in 2018. New owners Harlan Scott and Cody Taylor — of also San Marcos restaurant Industry — took over the lease in 2022 and renovated/upgraded the space. The casual restaurant’s menu includes pizza, chicken wings, salads, and subs. Its hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and then from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday." - Nadia Chaudhury
