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Celebrating Over 50 Years in Business

A Family Owned and Oriented Restaurant

The Italian Kitchen was established in 1950 by Mike and Ellen Montecalvo on Meadowbridge Road across from the old State Fair Grounds.  The original 20 seat facility, that quickly grew to 215 seats, was originally decorated with traditional red and white-checkered tablecloths and Chianti bottles with candles.  Although the candles are long gone, we still serve the wine in its woven basket.  The sauce was prepared daily along with our signature Italian Bread, the perfect combination for a great Italian meal..  The Italian Kitchen was one of the first Italian restaurants in Richmond and among the first to offer pizza.  With prices ranging from 10¢ to 75¢ for a plate of pasta, full meals were available for under $1.00.  Mike and Ellen had six children over the years.  Ralph, Sissy, David, Theresa, Gina and Michelle all helped in running the establishment.

A New Beginning

In May of 1977, The Italian Kitchen was relocated to its present location in the Mechanicsville area, opposite the Lee Davis High School athletic field.  Gina and her husband, Ray Thompson, run the facility , with their children and Gina's sister, Michelle Harmon.  Their leadership represents more than 50 years of continuous family ownership.