Madison Starinieri is a fourth-year English writings BSEd and special education major. MS882527@wcupa.edu
Photo: The Mingrino family, courtesy of Frank Mingrino.
If you’re looking for authentic European cuisine, you don’t have to wander too far. Take a stroll along North Walnut Street in town and you’ll spot an elegant storefront with “Limoncello Ristorante” donned on a collection of black awnings. Growing up in Sicily, Italy, Maria LaSpada lived on a farm that housed a valley of lemon trees. LaSpada’s father would make a drink called “Limoncello” with freshly picked lemons. When LaSpada sailed to Ellis Island, she departed the boat and ventured to Philadelphia. LaSpada met another Italian native, Giuseppe Mingrino, in the city, and the two had an instant connection. The two married and started a family, with whom they founded Limoncello Ristorante alongside. Limoncello, the name inspired by LaSpada’s childhood farm, opened its doors to the public in 2006.
While dine-in restaurants unfortunately took a beating during the COVID-19 pandemic, they gained inspiration and time to generate, craft and test new ideas for the future of dining. I had the privilege of speaking with Frank Mingrino, co-owner of the ristorante. During the interview, Mingrino spoke with confidence on how his family business was able to work tirelessly in maintaining their founding principles of providing exceptional — and scrumptious — service.
Q: What is your restaurant’s mission statement? Did it have to be altered or adapted once the pandemic began to take its toll?
A: “Our mission is providing extraordinary, authentic Italian cuisine in a family-friendly environment, consistently putting our guests first in everything we do. Our passion is fueled by a need to make a positive difference in the lives of our customers and in the local community — inspiring others through deliciousness one meal at a time.”
Q: What was the process of adapting your business to new guidelines from the West Chester Borough and the CDC? Did you receive guidance? Did it run smoothly, or could it have been better?
A: “We closed for eight days when this first happened to think about what the virus was all about. Then we decided to get everyone to work when the state allowed us to do takeout only. A lot of our employees needed to come back to pay their bills, and a lot were able to collect unemployment, which was great. Our protocols include wiping everything down every morning and in between tables during service – there is LOTS of Lysol!”
Q: How did dine-in service change? What is the new protocol?
A: “Currently we are at 50% occupancy for indoor dining. We have disposable menus, and we sanitize daily. It’s definitely a comfortable atmosphere here. Lots of customers are coming back, and our takeout is still doing very well.”
Q: Did your staff downsize because of COVID-19? Were you required to have less people working at a time?
A: “There is definitely less staff. We still have everyone in the kitchen employed. Some employees work less with hour adjustments.”
Q: Talk about your menu. Were you able to maintain all of your menu items? What had to be eliminated or changed? Did the quarantine inspire you to add new items? A: “When the pandemic first started, we had to really focus on the takeout menu. We did something more affordable and came up with a family-style dinner that included a choice of salad, pasta, entrée and a dessert all for $50. The complete dinner was packaged really nice. Our goal was to create great quality as affordable as possible so the community had a different dinner option. Thankfully, takeout sales compensated everything that we’re losing now. Now with dine-in, we are back to our full menu!”
Q: As of today, what does the atmosphere of your business look like in terms of safety? What can consumers expect in the weeks and months to come?
A: “Our indoor dining is safely distanced, but the bar is still not open. We are not sure when the bar will reopen.”
As we concluded our conversation, Mingrino wanted to thank WCU for its student customers and welcomes West Chester students and their families into the restaurant next time they come to town. From specialty pizzas, charcuterie boards, pastas and meats, Limoncello Ristorante offers it all for both takeout and dine-in. This local eatery has you covered through dessert as well, while even offering gluten-free mousse and flourless white chocolate peanut butter tart. If your tastebuds are watering, visit limoncellorestaurant.com to make a reservation or order takeout, today!