Villa
Francesca is located at the corner
of Caldwell and Seventh streets in the
First Ward in Uptown Charlotte. The
restaurant, which opened in August
2008, is like an extension of the
owner’s, Louie and Marguerite Suppa,
family home where customers are
treated like guests. “We want families
to come here, feel at home and have a
nice, relaxing meal,” says Louie.
“Great food, great service…food made
with love.”
Villa
Francesca is a family venture. A
few years ago, Louie and Marguerite
moved to Charlotte, NC from New York
City with their three children to give
them a better quality of life. A
business trip had introduced him to
the Queen City and the notion that he
could offer uptown neighborhoods
something special. After selecting a
location near the Arena and light
rail, Louie got to work on his vision.
Louie is a long
time veteran of the restaurant
business. In fact, he oversees every
detail of the business, especially
what goes into the kitchen. Quality of
ingredients is a real point of pride
to Louie. He uses fresh produce –
bought locally when possible to help
regional farms – as well as artisan
cheeses like aged Grana Padano,
hand-selected pepperonis and sausages
and fresh herbs that make Villa
Francesca one of the most fragrant
places Uptown. Louie hand selects
these ingredients and the vendors that
supply them based on excellence more
than the bottom line.
The restaurant is
a true family affair. Marguerite Suppa
oversaw the creation of the décor,
selecting everything throughout to
create an environment that serves as
an extension of her home. And their
children, Matthew, Ralph and daughter
Francesca greet customers, run errands
and often wait overflow tables. Along
with his family, Louie Suppa is
working to ensure Villa Francesca
becomes a staple in the Charlotte
community.
