Trattoria Trecolori Inc. opened its doors at its current location in December of 1994. The original owner and patriarch, Joaquin L. Gonzalez was a celebrated restaurateur who throughout his 30 year career cultivated a tremendous following and knowledge of international cuisines. From 1972 until his untimely death on January 10, 2001, he successfully owned and operated such acclaimed mid-scale restaurants such as the Brazilian Pavilion located at 316 East 53rd Street and Brazil 2000 at 127 West 72nd Street, and later on Casa Brasil and the original Trecolori Ristorante at the same respective locations.
 Despite not being a native of either Brazil or Italy as his professional resume would indicate, Joaquin, or as he was affectionately called by friends and patrons, "Jack" was born in Tomiño, a small town in the Province of Pontevedra, in the Northeastern region of Galicia, Spain on October 1, 1937.
As a teenager escaping the misery of the Franco regime, he immigrated to South America where he began to forge his skills and knowledge in the culinary and hospitality profession. After working in various restaurants and hotels in Brazil and Uruguay, he moved to New York in 1961 to find greater opportunity. As with most aspiring restaurateurs of his generation, he learned all aspects of food preparation and service skills working in both the kitchens and dining rooms of many restaurants from 1961-1971, most notably Restaurant Associates’ famous - La Fonda Del Sol, which was located at the Time & Life Building.
In 1972, he and a Brazilian partner, opened the first and only Brazilian restaurant in Manhattan located on 46th and Lexington. Throughout the late 1970’s through the 1980’s, Jack continued to expand and improve with various Brazilian restaurants and capitalizing as well in Real Estate at each location. Quite interestingly, circumstances throughout his career steered him away from opening a Spanish restaurant. As he would quip in press releases throughout his successful run with Brazilian restaurants, Jack jokingly maintained that he would not open a Spanish restaurant because, “I don’t care to compete against my fellow paisanos.”
 His vision and adaptability led him to reinvent his business concept. Having over the years acquired a vast understanding and appreciation for the Italian culture and language, he opened his first Italian restaurant in 1992, naming it Trecolori, after the three-colored flag and its famous salad and pasta.
After realizing its great potential, he relocated to the Theatre District to open what today represents his last and finest venture, Trattoria Trecolori.
After 10 years and counting, Trattoria Trecolori has undergone infrastructural and operational improvements to keep up with the competitive restaurant landscape in New York City.
Today, the legacy of Joaquin Gonzalez endures through his sons & managing partners Marco and Victor, who alongside their loyal and friendly staff, work diligently to uphold the spirit of hospitality and the commitment to quality and service, that make Trattoria Trecolori an authentic Italian dining experience.
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