Michael Hanna
After a season of residency at Vandyke Bed & Beverage, chef Michael Hanna has made the decision to pull up stakes and move his St. Vito Focacciaria across the Cumberland to John Stephenson’s Hathorne at 4708 Charlotte Ave. It’s a good time for the change, as Hathorne will be on a summer break from June 28 through July 13, and St. Vito will start up regular Sunday appearances on July 18.
Hanna will serve his sfincione pizza and Sicilian street food on the regular from 3-9 p.m., making for a great option when you just can’t bring yourself to make Sunday supper at the end of a weekend. Stephenson has been experimenting with inviting pop-ups like Alebrije, Hester, Jewish Cowboy, Maiz De La Vida and White Crane to share the Hathorne space at various times over the course of this year, and he’s excited to have the chance to work with Hanna.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun to work with people who are learning and growing as they build their concepts, and St. Vito is no exception,” said Stephenson in the official announcement. “I’m excited and inspired by the young chefs in town trying out concepts through pop-ups and experiments and pleased to offer Hathorne’s space and the opportunity to grow into a true full-service dining model.”
Hanna seems like he’ll feel right at home in his new digs, thanks to the welcoming attitude of Hathorne’s own talented chef, Evan LoJacono. “Evan was one of our original customers at St. Vito, and from there we’ve become friends who have wanted to work together,” said Hanna. “It’s a great opportunity to call Hathorne a temporary home for St. Vito while I work on the permanent location. John and the entire team have mastered hospitality in both front and back of house, and I’m so excited to work with them.”
The announcement reveals that regular Sunday menu will include their signature sfincione, a focaccia style Sicilian pizza laden with fresh ingredients, as well as small plates, rotating specials, and dessert. Hathorne’s beverage director Hayley Teague will create a wine, beer, and cocktail menu that celebrates Sicilian flavors and inspirations and will go far toward taking the edge off the forthcoming work week.
Reservations for St. Vito at Hathorne will open on July 7 through Hathorne’s website. Once service begins, takeout orders will be available each Sunday.
