We craft our dishes using traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations, bringing a genuine taste of Italy to your table. A lot of people have asked us the story of why we started the restaurant and to tell us about the family. It’s a long story so be prepared lol…
Dan was born and raised in southern Florida to an Italian Family. The recipes used in the restaurant have been passed d
own for generations. Dan had been managing businesses for the last 17 years. Connie was born as a child of a Naval family and moved frequently. She settled in Cookeville her freshman year of high school and has been in the Upper Cumberland ever since. She spent the last 4 years working at the Livingston Police Department. She’s also worked for Algood Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, and Overton County Sheriffs Department. The family resides in Livingston and are members of the River Community Church in Cookeville. There are five children between the ages of 8 and 18 in the family. You can see the oldest two working at the restaurant and the other three sneaking in and out. So why start a restaurant in Livingston? Dan had a best friend named Sam Limauro since they were 15 and 17 years old. Years ago Sam moved to Tennessee and loved it here. Sam had wanted Dan to move to Tennessee to open a restaurant together. While working as an EMT on a special assignment in Louisiana, Sam contracted Covid-19. He passed away October 14, 2021. After his passing, Dan and Connie were determined to make the dream a reality. So with Connie’s connection to the community, Dan’s family recipes and business knowledge, and the dream and persistence of Sam….. Cornicello opened their doors on August 15, 2022. There was a lot of hiccups and difficulties along the way to even open the doors. But with some fantastic landlords, A LOT of elbow grease, and the grace of God we are here living the dream. This is Us…
A little bit of Crazy…
A little bit of Loud…
And a Whole Lot of Love!!!!
