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History

Continuing a Bartolomei Family Restaurant Tradition Dating Back Four Generations

  • In 1914, Giorgio Bartolomei came to America from Peigaio, Provincia Di Lucca, Italy.
  • He initially left behind his wife Rosina, daughter Gina, and sons Daniel and Flavio.
  • In 1915, tragedy struck when the influenza epidemic in Italy claimed several family members, including daughter Gina and son Flavio.
  • Giorgio worked to bring Rosina and Daniel to America.
  • They arrived in August 1918, entering through Ellis Island before traveling to Chicago.
  • After reuniting, the family moved from Chicago to Worcester, Massachusetts.
  • Giorgio and Rosina passed down family recipes to their son Daniel.
  • In 1938, they opened Danny's Spaghetti Shop on Grafton Street.
  • In 1949, Danny moved to Cape Cod with his wife Carmela and their five children.
  • He opened Danny-Kay's Pizzeria in Buzzards Bay.
  • In 1958, the pizzeria moved to East Falmouth.
  • In 1959, Danny and Carmela opened Danny-Kay's Italian Restaurant nearby.
  • The restaurant became well-loved and remained open until they retired in 1977.
  • In 1969, Danny's son John and his wife Celina opened Johnnie's Diner in Pocasset.
  • It served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and was open 24 hours a day.
  • In the early 1980s, Johnnie moved to Falmouth and opened Johnnie's Italian Restaurant.
    • On March 12, 2004, Jay began renovations at 188 Main Street, Falmouth.
    • On April 1, 2005, Villaggio officially opened.
    • Jay blended old family Italian recipes with updated culinary techniques.
    • Within its first year, Villaggio won the New England Cable News TV Diner's Gold Plate Award.

  • Danny and Carmela celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Villaggio in September 2005.
  • Danny passed away on March 31, 2006 at age 94.
  • Carmela passed away on June 12, 2006 at age 92.
  • After six years, the original Falmouth Villaggio location became too small.
  • High rent and limited space made relocation necessary.
  • Jay was offered a larger opportunity at the Falmouth Inn, with more room and lower rent.
    • Jay chose to rename the restaurant Landucci in honor of his paternal great-grandmother's maiden name.
    • This was meant to respect and highlight the family's Italian heritage.

    • In 2014, the business relocated again, this time to Cotuit.
    • Jay revived the historic Crocker House, most recently known as the Regatta Restaurant.
    • The move connected Villaggio to another beloved local dining space.

  • In 2020, during the pandemic, Jay discovered a restaurant space in Del Mar, California.
  • Villaggio Ristorante at Del Mar opened on October 23, 2020.
  • Jay's sons Anthony and Nikolas helped operate the California location.
  • Within one year, it won Best New Restaurant and Best Italian Restaurant in North County San Diego.
  • Jay later sold the California restaurant after receiving a strong offer.

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