About Us

A Bit of the Family History Behind Muscarella’s Café Italia

Muscarella’s Café Italia has been in business since 1992. The Patton Family, Tom, Sr., Tom, Jr., and Tim, had a desire to open a restaurant featuring Italian-American style food. Their goal was to be able to offer only the freshest and finest menu items at family affordable prices. They named the restaurant in honor of their grandfather and great-grandfather, Salvatore Thomas Muscarella.

The Muscarella legacy in the food service industry began in 1900. That year, Salvatore Thomas arrived in the United States from Sicily. He traveled to Pittsburgh from Ellis Island and took the train north to the Shenango Valley.

After establishing himself in the area, Salvatore sent for his wife Anna and year old son Phillip who had remained behind in their hometown of Campo Felice, Sicily. When they arrived in Sharpsville, Grandpa built the family homestead at 28 Walnut Street which is the present site of the “Country Fair” store. This was a two story building with a storefront for retail grocery sales and living quarters in the back and upstairs.

The wholesale fruit and produce business was begun, and Grandpa traveled to the Cleveland markets to purchase his vegetables and fruit. His selections arrived by train, and he would deliver customer orders by horse and wagon.

Eventually, the family grew to include two more sons and six daughters, all of whom learned to work in the family business. One of those daughters became our mother and grandmother. Jennie Muscarella Patton was born in the house at 28 Walnut Street on June 12, 1912. As a young girl, she learned the love of cooking from her mother, and passed the legacy down to her family. She became a well known cook in our Valley by pursuing her love for food preparation at many area restaurants. At home, “Gram” always opened her table to anyone who wanted or needed a hot meal. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of tradition, family, and an open table.

Gram never really retired, as at the age of 80, she was instrumental in making Muscarella’s the successful restaurant it has become. Her many Sicilian recipes have been incorporated into the menu items for which we are renowned. The person mainly responsible for proudly carrying on her legacy is her grandson Tim. As well as being an owner of Muscarella’s, he is our head chef and kitchen manager – professionally trained at “Grandma’s elbow” since he could stand on a stool at her stove when he was just a child! To this day, many of our menu items are her recipes.

Tom, Sr. (better known as “Potsy”) is our public relations man. A real people person, he is well-suited for the position with his “Italian gift of gab!” He is also responsible for the day-to-day operations and ensuring that the office and maintenance duties are carried out efficiently.

Our “Front of the House” owner is Tom, Jr. He is responsible for the hiring of personnel, customer service, and the daily operation of the dining rooms. In addition, he is the manager of bar operations and is in charge of the selecting and purchasing of the fine wines which enhance our wine list. He also keeps an extensive inventory of beer and ale which are available either bottled or on draft. Our liquor selections, as well as the beer, include many imported varieties along with domestic.

Anna Mary Patton, the wife of “Potsy” and Rebekah Patton, Tim’s wife, are also involved in the business. Anna Mary is the office manager, and Becky is the manager for the wait staff and banquet facility.

We honor Gram’s legacy by sharing our love of food with all who walk through our doors. Italian or not, we want our customers to experience the Muscarella’s traditions, both old and new. Our restaurant is a real family operation, and we hope to be here for many years to come. We consider our employees to be part of that family, and pride ourselves on having one of the best staffs in any restaurant. We are in the “people” business, and our mission is to offer the most outstanding food and service which you will encounter anywhere. Gram would be proud.