WOODWAY, Texas (KXXV) — La Bottega Waco was a local Italian restaurant that closed on November 9th.

Massimo Di Campli moved to Waco in 2016 after meeting his wife Kristen.

But Campli’s love affair with the restaurant industry began years ago.

“I went to the culinary school in Italy that my father also went to,” Di Campli said. he said.

“I started working in the restaurant industry when I was 16 and decided to spread my wings and open a restaurant on my own.”

He opened Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante in Waco in July 2020, offering homemade recipes and a fine dining experience, but he wanted to do more.

“My brother and I, my youngest brother Marco, decided to open a new concept in Waco, an ice cream and focaccia sandwich shop,” Di Campli said.

They opened La Bottega in November 2023, not knowing they would have to close it in less than a year.

“Unfortunately, my brother could not return to the United States due to visa problems,” Di Campli said. he said.

“We couldn’t deliver to the standards that we deliver here at Di Campli’s. You know, losing the owner is a big piece of the puzzle.”

Di Campli told 25 News They decided to close it down about three weeks ago.

“This situation has definitely unleashed a roller coaster of emotions, a lot of sadness and disappointment,” Di Campli said.

“I was so emotional when we opened because there was so much work. And, you know, it’s heartbreaking to see it all go now.”

Many neighbors were saddened by the decision, expressed support and promised to stop by one last time.

“We’re sorry,” customer Leslie Ollier-Ingle said.

“It’s a shame they’re closing.”

Di Campli told 25 News Many of La Bottega’s employees are moving into Di Campli’s post-closure position.

“We can still carry on the legacy and we are closing that door in Italy. I hope we will open a bigger door in the future,” Di Campli said.

Follow Kadence on social media!