Small, but mighty. D'Arpino's Italian Cafe on South National is the epitome of "blink and you might miss it," but for those who know it's around, it's become a yummy staple. This small restaurant has a big following, people who stick around and become regulars.

A dream come true for this Italian family. And those regulars become like family, too, says owner Mary Ann D'Arpino. She and husband, Mark, along with daughter Jessica Walker, opened D'Arpino's Italian Cafe on Oct. 11, 2004, which also happens to be Mary Ann and Mark's anniversary. "We wanted to be able to remember the day," Mary Ann says. Mark spent his life working in Italian restaurants — the duo actually comes from New York — and after moving around a bit, they settled on Springfield. Once the kids were out of the house, it was time to get started on an Italian spot of their own.

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Source: http://www.news-leader.com/