Bill Criswell & Santi Sacca
Owners, Vesuvio Bistro
1501 Merrill Drive, LR
VesuvioBistro.com
501-225-0500
Most Gratifying Moment
SS: I love to hear that Vesuvio is Little Rock’s “best kept secret!” When we moved back to Little Rock from Napa Valley, we fell in love with the “off the beaten path” location. It has grown to be one of the most thriving restaurants I have ever owned. We give all of the thanks to our fabulous and loyal customers. They have been very good to us!
BC: It has been great to see the restaurant continue to grow after the tragic loss of our founder, Chef Rosario. It is a privilege to be able to continue the legacy that he started here. Fifteen years later, I still see some of the same great friends that love to eat Rosario’s food. There is nothing more gratifying than hearing people say that the food is still just like it was when he made it. It brings joy to a lot of great people. I love going around and visiting with happy and full customers.
Recipe for Success
1 | Inspiration
SS: My family. We have been in the business for many generations.
2 | Taught
BC: Santi/Rosario, when I was in college.
3 | Ambience
SS: Elegant and casual.
4 | Recommended
BC: People love the Spaghetti Chitarra. Diners become upset when we run out of our fresh pasta.
5 | Rewarding
SS: It’s like a big dining room at home, and friends drop by without an invitation. (I love that!) BC: Hanging out with good people who are out celebrating or out to have fun, and I get to call it “work.”
6 | Community
BC: Corks and Forks, Heart Ball, Arkansas a la Carte and many others.
7 | Plan B
SS: I would have a winery like my great-great-grandfather.
8 | A-List Guests
SS: Yes, many. From New York to San Francisco, Arkansas to Italy, I have had the pleasure to serve Oliver Stone, Robert De Niro, Robert Mondavi, Madonna, John F. Kennedy Jr. and many more. BC: Antonio Banderas, Beau Bridges, Swoosie Kurtz, Jerry Van Dyke and Randy Travis, to name a few.