Roberto Manco has always believed that food should bring people together, and since opening his namesake restaurant in 2019, he’s watched Roberto’s become a favorite gathering spot in The Villages. Business was so strong that the restaurant quickly outgrew its space, but instead of moving, Roberto held out hope for the chance to expand where he started. That chance came when the neighboring unit in Pinellas Plaza became available.

“We were excited to expand because it’s better to see people eating rather than waiting,” he says in his endearing Italian accent. “And I always wanted a bar for the social aspect and where people can come together to eat or have a drink before dinner.”

The new bar is beautifully detailed and handmade, which is what Roberto had in mind when he started. “I didn’t just want to say, oh, we have a bar,” he says. “I wanted it to be special and the focal point of the new dining room.”

Mike Sapp of Roots Construction lead the remodel. “The whole renovation is a true collaboration,” he says. “There are a lot of custom items in this restaurant, such as the bar and the hand-spun columns. It was a great project for us, and I’m proud of the fact that not only did we get it done on time, but they only had to close for a week.”

To make the new bar stand out, Brianna Thompson of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits collaborated with Roberto to build a cocktail menu tailored to Villagers. “Roberto has a list and an idea of what he wants, so it’s a big collaboration effort, and now he has a menu that is fun, approachable and still true to the restaurant’s identity,” she says.

The remodel also created a new dining area and a new takeout space so customers no longer had to come through the same door. It eases congestion and makes visits more enjoyable. The food remains the same: pizza, pasta, salads and fresh desserts, the dishes that keep customers coming back.

Customers are quick to celebrate the changes. Pete and Linda Hoyt of The Villages have been regulars since the restaurant opens. “The food is so great and the staff is wonderful,” Linda says. “They know us by first name, and every Friday night, they already have our half carafe of Chianti set up on our table.” She says they also cater to her wheelchair and service dog with ease.

“It’s fun to come here,” Pete adds. “My favorite dish is the clams in white sauce, which is the best I’ve had around here, except for my wife’s.”

Bruce and Nereida Riley, also from The Villages, said they started coming when they build their house in 2022. “It’s a family-owned restaurant and you can tell it’s from the heart,” Nereida says. “That’s why we keep coming back.” Bruce likes the subs for lunch but enjoys the variety of the dinner menu.

The reopening was marked with a blessing from Father John McCracken of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, who prayed for the continued success of the restaurant and the community it serves. “We bless this restaurant as a place to come together and feel nourishment from these relationships as well as the wonderful food.”.

Photos: Gina Horan & Facebook