Ava Rumpler, owner of Bella Cucina in downtown Franklin, chose to move from Pittsburgh to Franklin 20 years ago. After spending some time here, she believed it to be a wonderful town to raise her son. “He is now 22, and I know I chose right,” she said. Alex is a young, successful professional, and the Dining Room manager at Bella Cucina.
Ava had the opportunity to own Bella Cucina, six years after moving to Franklin. With the help of Chef Michael Mansfield, her family, and amazing staff, they have built a unique restaurant on Liberty Street in downtown Franklin that is one of the anchors of downtown Franklin. Bella Cucina provides incredible food in a perfect location for enjoying the city’s numerous events, and gives back to the community. Ava said, “I can say, 14 years later, that Bella Cucina is a destination in the region's dining community. On any given night our dining area and bar are filled with regulars, tourists, business people, and often you will find diners from other countries enjoying our unique cuisine.”
According to Ava, the biggest benefit of living and working in downtown Franklin is the people in the community. “It is obvious that the goal of these people is to make the community successful as a whole. No one cares "who" got it done; each one cares that "it got done." The Franklin Area Chamber, Franklin Rotary Club, City of Franklin Marketing and Events Manager Ronnie Beith, and the Franklin Fine Arts Council, and so many others work together to make us all successful, she said.
In order to give back to the community that has helped make her business such a success, Ava implemented Cheers Nights. On Tuesday nights from January through April, Bella Cucina gives 10% of sales to local non-profit organizations. 2019 will mark the 10th anniversary of the program. They have given nearly $60,000 in donations to these non-profits. This year we will be doing our top 10 in 10 years!
“Our community has been so welcoming and supportive over the years from the day to day business to all of our big holidays ... Applefest, Light Up Night, holiday parties, New Year's, and the addition of our patio we now can be part of Friday Night music on the deck. This is my Why Franklin, and 20 years later, I am so glad this is the community I chose.”
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