Just A Little About Us
Frank and Anna Marchitelli, Stacy's parents are the original owners of the restaurant. Before going into the restaurant business, Anna Marchitelli worked 14 years for a dentist's office in Delmont, while Frank spent 35 years at the National
Roll in Avonmore. It wasn't until later in life, in their early 50s, when they purchased the building and existing bar to convert into a full dining restaurant. They recognized the need in the area for a mid-scale family dining atmosphere and saw the hidden potential within the walls of the old har. In 1993 when the building became available, Anna and Frank were about to see their dream of owning a business realized.
Stacy said that when her parents first opened the restaurant, their intention was for it to be an investment for her and her brother Michael. After several years of learning and operating the business, Michael decided to move to Crested Butte, Colorado in 1997 to open another Marchitelli's restaurant, Marehitelli's Gourmet Noodle.
Before moving home to Saltsburg to help out in the family business, Stacy was a director of purchasing in the computer software industry in New Jersey. She graduated from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia with a B.S. in Management and an A.S. in Business Administration. The skills she gained from college and the corporate world have been an asset in this business. Managing, doing inventory, hostcssing, and socializing are second nature. Although, over the years she's had to "learn the kitchen," now it has really come full circle. "I rely on my terrific staff." She credits the restaurant's long-time kitchen manager, Judy Bonelli, for much of their continued success. "She's been here since day one. She's an absolute Godsend and a second mom to me. We couldn't do it with out her. An Apollo resident, Patty Gabrielson, manages evenings. "She joined the Marchitelli family in 1994 and has been a positive influence to our success. I have been blessed with both," says Stacy.
In 1995 Stacy moved home and has been involved ever since. In 2001 she moved into the general manager and operator capacity. But that's not to say that Frank and Anna retired; it's quite the opposite, in fact, they were in the restaurant several nights a week greeting their customers and sitting down to a glass of wine with old friends. Stacy's goal is to ensure that her guests experience quality dining that is unique and creates new friendships. It's a place to socialize and get to know the Marchitelli family. There is no question as to why Stacy enjoys coming to work everyday. She has a beautiful and exciting environment, friendly staff, and loyal customers.
Anna and Frank love to travel and eat out, so much of their inspiration for the business came from places they've visited. Anna is responsible for the creativity and distinctive decor. The dining room walls are dressed in movie posters, and grape vines adorn the ceiling.
The high-backed booths running the length of the room are subtly secluded under striped awnings, and each booth displays its own arrangement of photos of the Marchitelli family and friends, and even many customers have brought in their photos for display. Anna managed to give a semi-private feeling to those tables in the center of the room as well. By using lattice as dividers, she created little grape arbor vignettes freckled with mini white Christmas lights. To top it off, dinner is served with live music on the piano or flute on weekends.
All this and more, provides a warm dining ambiance and something for conversation and entertainment. This environment
is so charged with creativity, it's easy to feel inspired after only a few short minutes. Anna has successfully mixed playfulness and whimsy with elegance and sophistication. It's fun to discover something new with every visit. Stacy summed it up nicely describing her mother as "the essence of creativity."
Anna and Frank have since retired. They now live in The Village, Florida, for six months of the year and in Saltsburg six months. When they are in town, they will no doubt be at the inn on weekends visiting with friends.
As for creating the menu, Marchitelli's truly is family oriented. There is something for everyone from $2.95 to $22.95. They have a three panel book menu featuring steaks, seafood, and pastas as well as deli sandwiches, appetizers, and frozen Island Oasis specialty drinks. And of course there is a kid's menu. According to Stacy, "Great portions, great presentation, and warm hospitality are what bring people back."