Word on the street: New Italian restaurant coming to former church in Asheville’s Montford neighborhood

Jason Sandford March 2, 2014

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Word on the street is that a new Italian restaurant is in the works at a former church on the corner of Chestnut and Montford avenues in Asheville’s Montford neighborhood.

Montford right now is home to two restaurants serving up delicious eats – Tod’s Tasties and Nine Mile. For many years it’s also been home to a number of swank bed and breakfasts which cater to tourists, which also makes it a smart location for a new eatery.

Mackensy Lunsford, reporter for Asheville Scene, confirms:

The structure, once complete, will house an Italian restaurant tentatively called Chiesa Italian, the word “chiesa” being Italian for Church.

Michael McDonough, a local architect and one of the owners of the building, said the property has been rezoned for business use. The restaurant, once complete, is likely to have 49 seats, give or take, and possibly a downstairs patio.

The owners have gotten approval to excavate around the building, exposing the original foundation plus some original doors and windows, according to McDonough.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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9 Comments

JT March 3, 2014

I wonder if the Montford Historic District will require that they preserve the astroturf steps at the entrance, you know…. for history.

Reply
1. Jason W. March 3, 2014
  
  I guess you haven’t been by recently. Those steps were the first thing to go.
  
  Reply
  1. JT March 3, 2014
    
    Good to hear, I’m sure it will be easy on the eyes… Michael McDonough does some nice work.
    
    Reply
2. Nate March 4, 2014
  
  The steps already went, but apparently the Historic District *did* make them change their plans to leave that goofy facade on front of the building.
  
  Reply
JML March 3, 2014

please be organic Italian, too many non-organic Italian places around

Reply
1. Ron March 3, 2014
  
  Organic, vegan, gluten-free, nonGMO Italian or I’m not going!
  
  Reply
  1. JTC March 3, 2014
    
    exactly!!
    
    Reply
2. Matt March 4, 2014
  
  There’s a local wheat scene, hopefully they’ll be on board with that.
  
  That church space was almost purchased by some local dancers to be used as a movement arts cooperative. Italian restaurant is a little less exciting but glad somebody gets gets to use it.
  
  Reply
JTC March 3, 2014

sweet idea

Reply