Yes, every single one. In Wheeling. Yes, it’s true.
She has worked – in one kinda way or another – for every single Italian-related restaurant in her hometown. Even at that pizza joint. Ya know, DiCarlo’s?
That’s because Lisa DeGasperis Aprea, homegrown in Elm Grove in the 1980s, always has adored her heritage, the culture’s culinary classics, and, of course, Italy’s finest coffee creations she’s known since her single-digit days at St. Vincent’s School. She recalls the “Clickety-Click,” a potion conjured with sugar, whipped egg yolks, coffee, and whiskey for the adults, and nicknamed in honor of spoons kissing porcelain.
Lisa is Wheeling through and through – she’s a Central (1988), West Lib (1992), and WVU grad, and she married her college sweetheart, Tony, and her father, Larry, and her grandfather, Larry, were the Larry’s behind Larry’s Sundown in North Wheeling. These days, though, the Apreas live up the road in Washington, Pa.
Tony is the chief medical officer for WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, and Lisa has elevated from part-time barista 11 years ago to an equal partner of two Chicco Bacello coffee shop/deli locations. The eateries, one in downtown Washington, and the other in Canonsburg, specialize in locally roasted coffees and expressos, breakfast and lunch sandwiches with the quirkiest of names, and an enormous assortment of cookies, muffins, and cakes.
Why did she get so enthralled with an independent coffee company during the Starbucks-or-bust era?
“I thought it’d be fun to know how to make Italian coffees on a big fancy machine.”
But it wasn’t just about the equipment, she insists.
“Running this business is like crafting the perfect Italian sandwich – it’s a labor of love, layers of flavors, and a little bit of ham!”
So, exactly how did Lisa DeGasperis Aprea initially inform her husband of her wish to become an entrepreneur?
“I remember coming home and telling my husband, ‘I think we’re going to buy a coffee shop,’” she recalled. “To which he replied, ‘There’s no ‘we’… I think you’re going to buy a coffee shop.’ And then he said, ‘But whatever you want, honey.’”
If someone doesn’t like coffee, what would you have them drink and why?
I actually wouldn’t recommend a coffee drink! I’d steer them toward one of our other delicious options. I’d recommend an Italian soda- flavoring, club soda, and cream. My personal favorite is raspberry.
Or, especially this autumn season, I’d recommend a hot chaider: hot chai and apple cider. Fall in a cup!
BUT if people ask for a coffee drink, I always recommend a Brown Betty Latte: brown sugar and cinnamon with espresso. It’s delicious hot or cold and is probably our best seller.
Who comes up with the names of the sandwiches?
The sandwiches are all named after family members or people who are a part of the “Chicco family.”
For example, my son Nic (middle child) worked at Chicco Baccello throughout high school, popped in for shifts every college break, and still will pick up hours when he’s home. He has the “Nic Reuben” on the menu, which is a twist on the traditional Reuben by switching out with Swiss cheese for 3-pepper Colby. It’s a great sandwich, and we love the added heat.
My daughter Chelsea (oldest child) has the “Chelsea Curry,” because she appreciates exotic, diverse tastes. My son Marco (youngest child) has the “Marco,” which is a buffalo chicken sandwich with Habanero Cheddar because he has a spicy personality. The “Tony Meatball” is named after my husband and it is just a classic.
There are also sandwiches named after my partners’ kids, and occasionally we have specials like the “Iggy Piggy,” named after my grandson, Iggy, that features local BBQ pulled pork. But my favorite is the “Lisa”: roast beef and fontina cheese on marble rye, with lettuce, tomato, onion, and deli mustard.
If I feel like it, I sometimes like to switch the cheese out for horseradish cheddar.
Do you ever plan to bring a Chicco to your hometown?
I’ve learned to never say never!
We’ve been approached to bring Chicco to numerous locations, including Wheeling. If my kids decide they want to get in on it, there’d be a higher possibility of that happening – they have the energy while they’re young! My daughter graduated from Wheeling Park High School, and my sons from Linsly, so they have ties to the area too and would serve it well.
What are the best parts of living where you live but still having your hometown 30 minutes away?
It’s all about family. Spontaneous visits to see parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are everything. Closeness to family means being able to maintain traditions, and we have plenty!
The parks in Wheeling are phenomenal, and I love how close we are. We’ve built our lives and careers here, and it’s perfect for us.
