As a longtime vacationer in Frankfort, there were many times Ed Carrella walked along Main Street and wished there was a classic Italian restaurant – someplace where the flavors of olive oil, garlic and herbs married in the Old World tastes he remembered from his own family’s early restaurant days.

Carrella just never imagined he’d be the one opening that kind of dining experience and to-go marketplace in this Northern Michigan beachfront spot that is now his new hometown. Carrella and business partner Tim Potter launched Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market in downtown Frankfort in March.