From Humble Beginings

Francesco Cavalletti and Massimo Fortunato opened their “little bambino” – a cozy, picturesque, 60-seat Italian trattoria called La Locanda – as a true labor of amore. “Our local friends wanted ab alternative to the trendy spots on OCEAN DRIVE and Lincoln Road”, explains, Cavalletti, 31, an undefeated professional boxer who once had a promotional contact with Don King. “At La Locanda, you can eat your shimp tagliolini, drink your Chianti, hear some Frank Sinatra and feel at home.” Naples, Italy – born Fortunato, 32, spent four years as a military officer in the Italian Army and owned to restaurants in New York City before the “sun, sand and colors” of a South Beach vacation roused him (and his business partner Roberto Lopez, now La Locanda’s chef) to relocate in 2002. Soon after, a chance introduction to Cavalletti in Miami revealed shared restaurateur visions and entrepreneurial spirits, and the idea for La Locanda – a rest stop for horseback-riding travelers in medieval Italy – was born.

“We want to make everything memorable, from the kind service and fresh fish to the rustic furniture and happy music,” explains Cavalletti, Who moved from Montesano to Miami in 1996. “The little things make big things; details make all the difference in the world.”

April 2003