LA CASETTA - ROBERSONVILLE, NC
2001 - present
Founded on family, sacrifice, and a lifelong passion for hospitality, our story began when Piero immigrated from Italy and settled in Robersonville, North Carolina, where he met his wife, Paula. From the very beginning, Piero dreamed of opening a restaurant of his own. After a lifetime of hard work and saving, he famously asked Paula one important question: “Would you rather have a wedding ring or a restaurant?” Together, they chose the restaurant — a decision that would shape the future of their family for generations.
In the early years, guests could always find Piero and Paula side by side in the kitchen, pouring their hearts into every meal served. As the restaurant quickly grew in popularity, members of Piero’s family, including his siblings, began immigrating to America and joining the family business.
Over the years, Piero continued as owner while his brother, Vincenzo, took on the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. In 2015, after many successful years together, Vincenzo officially purchased the business from Piero. Today, Vincenzo proudly owns and operates the restaurant alongside his wife, Mandy, and their three daughters — continuing the family tradition of authentic hospitality, hard work, and great food.
LA CASETTA - BETHEL
2002 - present
Following the success of their first restaurant, Piero’s sister, Angela, and her husband, Giuseppe, dreamed of opening a restaurant of their own. As new citizens in America, they were supported by Piero in bringing that dream to life with the opening of La Casetta in Bethel, North Carolina — an opportunity to build both a business and a future for their family.
For more than two decades, Angela and Giuseppe dedicated themselves to serving authentic Italian cuisine and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community they grew to love. In 2023, they made the decision to step back and retire, passing the restaurant on to someone who had been part of its story since the very beginning — Head Chef Francisco, who had worked at La Casetta since its opening in 2002.
Under Francisco’s ownership, La Casetta has continued to flourish while staying true to the traditions, flavors, and authentic Italian hospitality that have defined the restaurant for generations in Eastern North Carolina.
In his retirement, Giuseppe continues his passion for baking and provides the desserts for the La Casetta restaurants and Gemelli in New Bern.
LA CASETTA - SCOTLAND NECK
2012 - present
Building on the success of his first two restaurants, Piero received a call from an old friend, Crocie, from Carini, Sicily, who shared his dream of owning a restaurant. Excited by the opportunity, Piero partnered with Crocie to open La Casetta in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, earning a reputation for authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional quality.
Around this time, Piero’s cousin, Francesco, made the journey from Carini to America and joined the team in Scotland Neck. With Francesco leading the kitchen and Crocie learning the art of baking under Giuseppe’s guidance, La Casetta maintained the same commitment to excellence that guests had come to expect from every location.
In 2019, Crocie purchased Piero’s share of the business and took full ownership of La Casetta, fulfilling his lifelong dream. Under his leadership, the restaurant has continued to grow and thrive. In 2024, the dining space was renovated to include a full-service bar, creating an even more inviting experience for guests.
Today, Crocie and his wife, Jess, are proud members of the Scotland Neck community. They feel truly blessed to serve their neighbors, friends, and visitors each day, sharing the flavors, traditions, and hospitality that have always been at the heart of La Casetta.
LA CASETTA - NEW BERN
2015 - present
After selling his flagship restaurant in Bethel, Piero set his sights on New Bern, North Carolina, with the dream of opening a restaurant in a larger community. He found the perfect location on Neuse Boulevard in the former Pizza Hut building, which had seating for just 15 tables.
It didn't take long for word to spread. The people of New Bern quickly embraced La Casetta, drawn to its authentic Italian cuisine, thoughtfully paired wine recommendations, and welcoming atmosphere where friends and families could gather—whether for a special dinner or to cheer on their favorite soccer team.
Shortly after opening, Piero invited Francesco from Scotland Neck to join La Casetta as Head Chef and Kitchen Manager. Francesco accepted the opportunity, bringing his passion and expertise to the kitchen and helping establish the restaurant's reputation for exceptional food and hospitality.
Since opening, La Casetta has continued to grow alongside the community it serves. Since 2015, we expanded with the addition of a private event space adjacent to the main building, followed by an outdoor patio. In December 2023, we completed another major expansion, enlarging our dining room and adding a full-service bar.
Today, La Casetta continues to be built on the same strong family values that inspired it from the beginning. Whether you're celebrating a first date, enjoying a family dinner, watching a soccer match at the bar, hosting a holiday party, wedding reception, or special event, or taking advantage of our catering services, we strive to make every guest feel like part of our family.
As our business continued to grow, Piero and a silent partner purchased a building in downtown New Bern. After years of planning—and with the addition of Giovanni to the family business—that vision became Gemelli Italian Deli & Bagelry, which opened its doors in February 2025.
With the arrival of this "new baby," Piero devoted more of his time to developing Gemelli. To ensure La Casetta would always have an owner present and actively involved in its day-to-day operations, Francesco became a part owner. Together, they remain committed to preserving the traditions, quality, and hospitality that have made La Casetta a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
2503 Neuse Blvd, NC
New Bern, NC 28562
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