ABOUT US | La Casetta NC

PIERO & PAULA - THE FOUNDERS

Piero and Paula’s story began in the 1990s, when Paula was working as a waitress and was assigned to a quiet, reserved guest—Piero. New to the United States from Carini, Sicily, Piero spoke very little English and felt out of place, but he carried with him a dream: to build a better life and one day open his own restaurant using the authentic recipes passed down from his mother.

The moment Paula approached the table, Piero knew she was someone special. After the meal, he left a memorable $5 tip—something Paula couldn’t stop thinking about for days.

On Valentine’s Day, Piero returned and asked for Paula as his server. After practicing what to say, he worked up the courage—but instead of asking her on a date, he simply said, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Surprised, Paula agreed to go on a date, though she wasn’t quite ready to give him that title just yet.

Just one month later, the two decided to get married, confident they had found something rare and lasting—and they were right.

More than 27 years later, Piero and Paula are still happily together, proud parents of twins, Giuliana and Matteo. Today, as they begin to step into retirement, they are passing the restaurant and their legacy on to their children, ensuring their passion, tradition, and hard work live on for generations to come.

FRANCESCO - HEAD CHEF|PART OWNER

Francesco, a native of Carini, Sicily, discovered his passion for cooking at a young age while working in his father’s pizza shop. By 15, he was already developing the skills and dedication that would shape his future in the culinary world. He went on to refine his craft by earning two culinary degrees from the Institute of Higher Education “Ugo Mursia” in Sicily.

Bringing his authentic Italian roots to the United States, Francesco began working with his cousin, Piero, at La Casetta in Robersonville, North Carolina. He later continued with La Casetta in Scotland Neck before making New Bern his home in 2014. Since then, he has been a valued part of the local dining community, sharing traditional Italian flavors and his lifelong passion for food with every dish he creates.

GIULIANA - GENERAL MANAGER

Giuliana, daughter of Piero and Paula, has been immersed in the restaurant world her entire life. In April 2020, at just 14 years old, she officially joined the team full-time, bringing with her a strong work ethic and deep-rooted passion for hospitality.

She began as a host and quickly proved herself as a natural leader. By September 2021, at only 15 years old, Giuliana was named General Manager of the New Bern location. Now managing full-time, she continues to grow into her role, with plans to carry on the family legacy and lead the restaurant into the future.

RACHAEL - BAR MANAGER

Rachael is a New Bern local who grew up visiting La Casetta as a guest long before joining the team. After earning her degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Meredith College, she returned home with plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy—but a birthday dinner at La Casetta unexpectedly changed her path when she was hired on the spot.

Over the past two and a half years, Rachael has worked her way from host to bar manager, becoming an integral part of the La Casetta experience. She brings a creative eye and genuine passion to the bar, crafting unique, exciting cocktails that keep guests coming back for something new.

MATTEO - MR. GEMELLI

Matteo, son of Piero and Paula, grew up surrounded by the energy and tradition of the restaurant industry. He began his journey at just 14 years old as a server and steadily worked his way into leadership, becoming Assistant General Manager in 2020. Known for his dedication and warm hospitality, Matteo continued serving as both Head Server and Assistant General Manager at La Casetta until the opening of our sister restaurant, Gemelli, in February 2025.

Since then, Matteo has transitioned full-time to Gemelli as General Manager, where he has quickly flourished in his leadership role. While he now leads the team at Gemelli, guests can still occasionally find Matteo at La Casetta on Friday and Saturday evenings, continuing the family tradition of hospitality that has always defined our restaurants.

2503 Neuse Blvd, NC
New Bern, NC 28562