Columbia Set to Celebrate Villa Tronco’s 85th Anniversary!
The charming streets of Columbia are buzzing with excitement as a beloved local treasure prepares for a momentous celebration. Villa Tronco, a cornerstone of Italian American dining since 1940, is gearing up to toast its 85th anniversary in just a few short weeks! That’s right, folks! As the New Year rolls in, this iconic eatery will honor decades of serving mouthwatering Italian cuisine infused with rich Columbia history.
A Sweet Beginning
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Villa Tronco started its journey as a humble fruit store, founded by the Tronco family all the way back in 1940. Today, it’s a family-run gem in our community, now welcoming the fourth and fifth generations of the Tronco family into the fold. Talk about family values!
Meet Mama Tronco!
Now, let’s talk about a very special lady: Mama Tronco herself. Born to hardworking immigrants, Sadie Tronco (née Carnaggio), built a legacy that would last generations. After marrying her sweetheart, Jim Tronco, they quickly evolved their fruit store into the first Italian restaurant in Columbia. Imagine soldiers stationed in Fort Jackson during World War II, missing their mother’s cooking! That’s where Mama Tronco stepped in, whipping up delicious spaghetti and meatballs that kept everyone coming back for more!
Pizza Anyone?
And here’s a fun nugget: Mama Tronco introduced pizza to Columbia! At first, it was a hard sell – folks didn’t know what to make of it, and she often ended up giving slices away! Luckily for us, her deliciousness caught on, and now we can’t imagine our pizza-loving hearts without Villa Tronco!
From One Generation to the Next
Fast forward to today, and Villa Tronco is still thriving under ownership of siblings Joe and Carmella Roche, along with plans from the next generation, Tripp and Donovan, to step in as managers soon. With this family legacy firmly in place, the restaurant continues to be a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
The Celebration of a Lifetime
While COVID-19 paused grand celebrations for their 80th milestone, the family isn’t missing their chance again! On January 13, 2025, Villa Tronco will host a private event at 1208 Washington Street, kicking off the anniversary festivities in style. With cocktail attire requested, this evening promises to be a swanky gathering filled with cherished memories and delectable bites from Mama’s kitchen.
Honoring the Past and Looking Forward
But that’s not all! Villa Tronco is rolling out exciting initiatives that pay homage to its storied past. The eatery is partnering with the S.C. History and Archives and Historic Columbia to install an official historical marker at 1213 Blanding Street. This marker will proudly highlight their cultural and culinary importance as well as the building’s history as one of Columbia’s first firehouses. A fitting tribute, wouldn’t you say?
Villa Tronco Way
Oh, and here’s the cherry on top: the City of Columbia has declared the corners of Main and Sumter Streets as “Villa Tronco Way.” Can you imagine? A dedicated street for our favorite restaurant right in the heart of Columbia’s Main Street District? How wonderful!
A Bright Future
The excitement doesn’t stop with the upcoming events. Villa Tronco is also reviving the much-loved Italian Festival after a 10-year hiatus! As they unveil new projects, the restaurant remains rooted in its mission to foster community by partnering and supporting local initiatives. Their continued success showcases the sheer strength and dedication of the family and its loyal customers.
Join the Celebration!
Folks, 85 years in business is no small feat, and the Villa Tronco team is eager to celebrate with everyone throughout the year. Watch for special menus, exclusive offerings, and commemorative events to join in the festivities!
For more details about this lovely restaurant and its upcoming festivities, check out their website at www.villatronco.com. Cheers to Villa Tronco and the joy it brings to Colombia—here’s to many more years of great food and warm hospitality!
