| Agostino "Bimbo" Giuntoli | |
| Birth Date: | 22 September 1903 |
| Birth Place: | Chiesina Uzzanese, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy |
| Death Place: | San Francisco, California, US |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Nightclub owner |
| Known For: | Bimbo's 365 Club |
Agostino "Bimbo" Giuntoli (September 22, 1903 - July 25, 1992) was an Italian-born American nightclub owner and entrepreneur.
Giuntoli was born and raised in Chiesina Uzzanese, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy. In 1922, aged 19, he emigrated to San Francisco, arriving with just $2.[1] He worked as a janitor at the Palace Hotel and then as a cook nearby, where Monk Young, his boss, was unable to pronounce his name, and called him bimbo instead (Italian for "boy"), and the nickname stuck.[2] [3]
In 1931, the 365 Club, 365 Market Street, was opened as a speakeasy and after-hours gambling club, owned by Young and managed by Giuntoli. It soon became the most popular illicit drinking establishment in town. Musical artists and dancers showcased their work, including a young Rita Hayworth dancing in the chorus line. An optical illusion achieved by mirrors made the large fish tank above the bar appear to have a nude woman swimming in it. Bar patrons marveled at Dolfina, "the Girl in the Fishbowl".[3]
In 1936, he employed Victor Rosellini, his wife's younger brother, in front of house. Rosellini went on to run several restaurants in Seattle, and later became president of the National Restaurant Association.[4]
In 1943, Giuntoli became a naturalized US citizen. In 1950 or 1951, Giuntoli, by that time sole owner of the 365 Club, purchased 1025 Columbus Avenue and moved his club there.[2]
As of 2014, the club is still there, owned and run by his grandson, Michael Cerchiai, who celebrated his eight birthday there with a Batman-themed cake, while Smokey Robinson played live.[5] [6]
In 1928, Giuntoli married Emilia Rosellini (December 26, 1908, Tacoma, WA - November 2, 1989, San Francisco), and they had two daughters:
Giuntoli died in San Francisco on July 25, 1992. He was survived by his two daughters, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.[1]