Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen opens Feb. 7 in Plain Twp.
That Little Italian Kitchen has opened its second location.
The highly anticipated Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen is set to open Wednesday at 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW in Plain Township. The grand unveiling also is a controlled opening exclusively for patrons with reservations.
Reservations may be made by calling 330-409-7200, with service hours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
That Little Italian Kitchen, at 5730 Fulton Drive NW in Jackson Township, has operated for years with a rabid fan base that has helped it earn numerous dining awards, including being named The Canton Repository's "Best of the Best" Italian restaurant several times.
The home of the new Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen dates back to 1805 and boasts a rich history.
The Maisanos purchased the home from the Bontrager family. Originally a mission house for the Amish, the structure is a blend of architectural styles, with half of it crafted as a log cabin. The front half served as a church, and a minister's residence occupied the rear.
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Determined its historical essence, care was taken in renovating the site. Notable changes included removing an old grain barn from the property to make way for parking. Additionally, the outdated summer kitchen was replaced, giving rise to the new restaurant kitchen.
Mike Schneider and his wife, Therese Maisano Schneider, were the visionaries behind the venture. Mike Schneider shared insights into the preservation efforts on a recent call.
"We tried to keep as much of the history as possible. Patrons will be able to see areas where we exposed parts of the historic log cabin," he said. The dedication to the authenticity adds unique charm to Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen.
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Originally aiming for a December 2023 opening, the team faced delays due to a bustling catering business during the holidays. The challenges persisted into January 2024, primarily revolving around staffing concerns, particularly in the kitchen.
"Our liquor license just arrived, we are fully staffed, have taken a much-needed breath, and are ready for our anxious customers to enjoy a great experience at our new location," Mike Schneider said.
In addition to signature Italian specialties, the new establishment plans to expand its offerings with catering services and eventually lunch. The weekends are set to feature specials including steak and fish selections.
Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen to open long-awaited spot in Plain Twp.
