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Transitions Rooted in Tradition
( 304 ) 363-3190 | muriales . com 1742 Fairmont Avenue , Fairmont , WV
Rocco Muriale ’ s grandparents , Rocco and Isabella Miglarese Muriale , came to West Virginia from Italy in the early 1900s . Rocco ’ s parents , Frank and Violet Muriale , started Muriale ’ s Italian Kitchen in 1969 with his Uncle Sam and Aunt Rose , along with a lot of help from their grandparents , a younger brother and cousins . Since its founding , the Muriale name has stood for quality and value . Generations later , the tradition continues .
In late 2021 , Rocco chose Scott and Jennifer Duarte to be the new owners of Muriale ’ s Italian Kitchen .
This transition is the result of discussions over several years to ensure the restaurant ’ s legacy continues . Rocco has been considering that legacy over the past seven years in an effort to ensure the future of the restaurant and the enjoyment of his customers for generations to come . He now feels comfortable that Muriale ’ s will continue in good hands .
Scott is a longtime family friend , having a relationship with the Muriale family dating back to the 1980s when Scott took his first job working as a short-order cook at Muriale ’ s on Bridgeport Hill . Rocco wanted the right person to embrace Muriale ’ s tradition and respect the accomplishments of the family over the last 50 years . Rocco has known Scott ’ s family for many decades and has followed Scott ’ s hospitality career .
Scott began his hospitality career in the mid-1980s , working with Rocco ’ s father and brother at Muriale ’ s Italian Kitchen . Scott later went on to graduate from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts and trained at The Greenbrier . Next , he helped with the launch of Taste of West Virginia — the unique flavor of West Virginia offered at Tamarack in Beckley , WV . Scott
also held culinary leadership positions at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst , NC , before eventually returning with his family to Bridgeport in 2006 to open the Bridgeport Conference Center and , in 2013 , Mia Margherita .
Rocco plans to stay involved over the next year to help Scott and Jennifer through the transition .
“ We wouldn ’ t have it any other way ,” says Scott .
Scott says Rocco has offered to stay on board to help mentor and preserve the next phase of ownership , which is key for the transition .
“ Our commitment is to maintain the same level of quality and service to our customers ,” Scott says . “ We ’ re fortunate to have had the opportunity to purchase a regional hospitality treasure with an impeccable service record and championshipcaliber staff .”
Scott says friends and patrons of Muriale ’ s Italian Kitchen can rest assured that the traditional Italian cuisine , gracious service and unique charm will not only be preserved but nurtured to reach even greater heights by the Duarte family through steadfast devotion to cultivating an environment of exceptional hospitality .
“ Both our families ’ Italian ancestry is rooted in the same regions in Italy . The food , the celebrations and family traditions are something we are deeply passionate about and cherish greatly . It ’ s truly in our DNA , and we are excited to have the opportunity to carry this on for generations to come ,” Scott says .