Ristorante Ottaviani believes that family and community are the same. As it approaches its 17th year in business, the classic Italian restaurant continues to serve authentic recipes, employ family members across the generations, and welcome all visitors to Cumberland as if they are a part of the Ottaviani family.
“Family is at the center of everything we do,” shares founder Adrienne Ottaviani. “Whether that is with our staff or those who come in to eat—everyone becomes family with us.”
Now under her son Tony’s ownership, the restaurant has branched into new ventures with the Ottaviani’s Tasting Room and Lounge, next door to the original restaurant.
Both the restaurant and tasting room serve a variety of Ottaviani family recipes, including some from their Italian heritage, and have employed over 12 family members since opening. “I think this has helped us make the establishments we want, which are places that people come in and feel that sense of family and enjoy homemade food in that atmosphere,” said Adrienne.
Originally from Baltimore County, the Ottaviani family came to Allegany County when Adrienne’s husband, Phillip, transferred jobs. "The school district that we moved into was excellent, and we felt at home here," Adrienne shared. "I got involved in the schools and eventually joined the Board of Education. Later, I became an Allegany County Commissioner. We've really grown to love this community, and they've welcomed us with open arms."
“My two sons and my daughter would say, ‘Mom, we should have a restaurant because your cooking is so good.’ We didn't know anything about owning a restaurant; I didn’t give it a second thought.”
For decades before the restaurant, the Ottaviani family would gather on Sundays for a traditional family dinner. Adrienne recalls, “My two sons and my daughter would say, ‘Mom, we should have a restaurant because your cooking is so good.’ We didn't know anything about owning a restaurant; I didn’t give it a second thought.”
One of Adrienne's sons discovered a restaurant for sale in downtown Cumberland and tried to persuade his mother to buy it. Although they didn't buy that specific building, the prospect of owning a restaurant then evolved from a far-off notion to a real pursuit. “We found another place six months after that initial bid. Loans from local banks and help from the Small Business Administration allowed us to secure the building. We never looked back.”
Adrienne and Phillip opened Ristorante Ottaviani in 2007. Over the years, the restaurant has seen families grow and transform within its walls. Adrienne recalls, “I used to carry around little babies while their parents were eating. Now, they have their wedding rehearsal dinners here and things like that. That's something that I'm so proud of.”
In 2023, the Ottaviani Tasting Room and Lounge opened its doors, aiming to provide patrons with a blend of old-world family traditions and contemporary elegance. Tanya Ottaviani, promoter for the businesses and Tony’s wife, explains, “It gives a nice balance between two different worlds: traditional and modern. We’re trying to expand and complement what has been built here.”
The new venue received $18,000 in Invest Allegany funding to help expand the reach and audience of this successful business. The space adds events, music, and more opportunities for connection under the Ottaviani name. “We wanted each place to be welcoming. Families love each establishment because our core values are in both places,” adds Adrienne.
As businesses navigate the ongoing construction on Baltimore Street, Ristorante Ottaviani stands in solidarity with its fellow businesses and looks forward to the completion of the renovations. Tanya comments, “I think ultimately, at the end of this construction, downtown Cumberland will be beautiful, and it will entice more people to come down and visit.”
“Tony is carrying on the name that I made in the community. I'd like to see it continue long after we're gone. The young ones have taken an interest in the restaurant, and I hope they keep it going.”
She continues, “The businesses in downtown Cumberland have a real sense of community. We come together, lift each other up, and promote each other. Tony and my mother-in-law have been anchors who helped our downtown businesses develop the strong relationships we have today.”
“Tony is carrying on the name that I made in the community,” said Adrienne. “I'd like to see it continue long after we're gone. The young ones have taken an interest in the restaurant, and I hope they keep it going.”
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