The owner and chef of Posillipo Italian Restaurant is David "Edgar" Espinosa. David came to the United States in 1980 from Oaxaca, Mexico, and was hired by then owner, Dr. Carl Sammarco, as a dish washer. Dr. Sammarco saw something special in the young immigrant and he and Mrs. Sammarco, began to train David in the art of food preparation, specializing in Northern Italian Cuisine. An eager and fast learning apprentice, "Edgar", (a nicknamed conferred upon him by Dr. Sammarco) became "Chef David Espinosa" in 1985.

In 1997, after having owned the Asbury Park Landmark for 26 years, the Sammarco Family sold the restaurant to David and his brother Servio. A new "Family Tradition" had begun.

During the 75 year history of Posillipo Italian Restaurant, there have been only 3 owners, the Giordano's, the Sammarco's and now, the Espinosa's. The tradition of excellence continues.