By Jenna Oden

For years, Yanni and Denise Tempelis have been searching for the perfect location to open a traditional Italian restaurant; now they have it and are working to open Francesca’s.

“When we opened our first restaurant that was Greek/Italian and the Italian side was very successful,” Yanni said. “We wanted to do something different. The vision for it has always been not too big, not too small, cozy and very family friendly. We have not been able to find the right location until now.”

The new restaurant will be located on the corner of Three Notch street, where Rumors on the Square was previously operating.

“We have been looking for so long and have finally found the perfect building,” Denise said.

Francesca’s will serve a very traditional Italian dinner menu as well as have an Italian atmosphere.

“If it is not authentic and traditional Italian then we will not have it served,” Yanni said. “Our Pasta Yanni menu is very popular already, so people can expect that.”

The community can expect it be a finer place to have a sit-down dinner and even enjoy an alcoholic beverage.

“We want it to be a nice restaurant where people will feel like they want to get dressed up,” Yanni said. “You will be able to order a cocktail with your dinner as well.”

The menu will include approximately 22 items as well as a children’s menu. 

“You can expect everything for everyone, just very traditional and Italian,” Yanni said. “There will be your pasta dishes and lasagna as well as some extravagant items.”

Every dish will be catered to the customer with intense detail and craft, according to Yanni.

“Everything is going to be beyond homemade,” Denise said.

“I love the kitchen and the pressure is there,” Yanni said. “I want customers to see and taste the food and never want the same dish from anywhere else. I want it to complete their food palate. I love this challenge to cook a-la-carte.”

The community and city have come together to support the Tempelises in another one of their business ventures.

“We have gotten phone calls from everyone around town,” Denise said. “The city and all the businesses are very helpful towards one another.”

The restaurant is expected to open April 15 and will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

“We cannot wait to open and expect good things because of all the tremendous feedback we have had so far,” Yanni said.