Tony’s Bar is more than just a place to enjoy a drink—it’s a celebration of family, community, and over five decades of hospitality.

Since 1973, Antonio and Teresa Giannitto and family have been part of the fabric of Gawler. As the longest-serving publicans in the history of the Gawler Arms Hotel, they’ve spent more than 53 years welcoming generations of locals and visitors with genuine hospitality, great food, and a place where everyone feels at home. At the heart of that story was Antonio “Tony” Giannitto.

Born in Paduli, Italy, Tony immigrated to Australia in 1954, married Teresa Pace in 1964 and, together they took over the Gawler Arms Hotel in 1973. Through hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to looking after people, they transformed the hotel into one of the region’s most iconic hospitality venues. Alongside raising four children, Tony and Teresa built a family business that has continually evolved while remaining true to it’s core values of warmth, generosity, and community.

Over the decades, the family introduced many innovations to the Gawler Arms, including the much-loved all-you-can-eat salad and vegetable bar, major redevelopments, expanded dining, function spaces, accommodation, and new hospitality experiences. Every generation of the family has played a part in continuing Tony and Teresa’s vision.