Restaurant Revisited: Drama at Mamma's at Mamma Lucrezia's
Jon Longstaff
"I've walked right in the middle of a sibling rivalry like no other," Robert Irvine said not long after arriving at Mamma Lucrezia's in Bellefonte, Pa. While this 10-year-old Italian eatery offered some of Robert's most-favorite pizza, its decor was dated, and, perhaps more problematically, owner Maria Albegiani and her sister, server Stefania Albegiani, were at odds with each other after years of tensions building in their relationship. With only two days to work and a budget of just $10,000, Robert and his Restaurant: Impossible team had to not only overhaul the interior at Mamma Lucrezia's but also attempt to mend a strained family. Read on below to hear from Maria and see how her restaurant is faring since the renovation.
"We have more than doubled in revenue," Maria explains of business at Mamma Lucrezia's. She adds that in terms of diner reaction, "The customers love the food and the new design."
According to Maria, "Stefania does work at the shop," and she "cooks in the kitchen and does what she needs to." Maria says of her own role: "I now oversee everything. That is the best part. I never thought that could ever happen."
Looking back on the experience, Maria notes: "I did learn a lot from Robert. He saved my life overall. I appreciate this experience beyond words."