Out Story - Trattoria on Main

Flavor so good you’ll try to eat with your eyes.

Frankie’s cooking mentor and grandfather, Francesco Balestriere — lovingly known to many as “Frangish” — was born in Ischia, Italy. He later moved to the United States in search of a better life for his family, bringing with him the traditions, recipes, and spirit of his homeland.

As the family grew to 15 grandchildren, the traditions only grew stronger. Three of his grandsons were named Francesco, and each one was affectionately called “Frangish” by their grandmother, Magdalena — a nickname that carried love, pride, and the continuation of a family legacy.

The grandchildren were always by Grandpa’s side in the kitchen, learning the family recipes and the traditions behind them. The oldest “Frangish,” known as Frankie, especially loved watching his grandfather cook, and it was there that his passion for food was born.

Frankie began working in restaurants at just 12 years old. After years of experience in various kitchens, he discovered his true calling in Italian cuisine

Marcella, Frankie’s wife — affectionately known as “The Pasta Lady” — is a first-generation Italian and Sicilian. From a very young age, with her mother by her side, she learned the art of making fresh pasta by hand. She cherished trips to the local Italian market with her father in Boston, carefully selecting the freshest ingredients for their family’s homemade pasta dinners.

Growing up, Marcella spent every other summer in Italy, making pasta alongside her mother and aunt, deepening her connection to her roots and refining her craft. To this day, she loves experimenting with different pasta shapes and natural flavors, using only wholesome ingredients.

Marcella’s homemade pasta, paired with Frankie’s treasured family sauce recipes, creates the perfect combination — much like their partnership in life and in the kitchen.

Inspired by his grandfather’s courage and commitment to family, Frankie and Marcella set out to build a brighter future of his own. With faith and determination, he packed up his family and relocated to Waxhaw, North Carolina — carrying with him the traditions, recipes, and work ethic passed down through generations.

After living in Waxhaw for several years, Frankie and Marcella spent a short time in Naples, Florida. There, they began making pizza and fresh pasta for neighbors and friends — and the response was overwhelming. What started as sharing meals quickly turned into something bigger.

Inspired by the community’s love for their food, they launched a pizza and pasta food truck called Via Mangia, serving Naples, Marco Island, and Fort Myers. The truck became a local favorite, bringing authentic Italian flavors to Southwest Florida.

But their hearts never left Waxhaw. Missing the community they had grown to love, they returned with their family, sold the food truck, and found the perfect neighborhood spot to open Siano’s Pizza & Pasta — locally known as “Your Neighborhood Pizzeria.”

By listening closely to their customers at Siano’s Pizza & Pasta, Frankie and Marcella felt inspired to grow even further. They are now preparing to open Trattoria on Main, a warm and welcoming space that will feature Italian sandwiches, classic entrées, and beloved specialties like eggplant dishes.

The new trattoria will also showcase house-made fresh mozzarella and bring true Italian tradition to the table — offering comfortable seating and an atmosphere where guests can slow down, gather, and enjoy a meal the way it was meant to be shared.

And if you happen to hear a little shouting coming from behind the counter, don’t worry — no one’s upset. That’s just the sound of a passionate Italian family at work!

Mangiamo bene!

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