As Fratelli Kanata prepares to mark its 25th anniversary, owner Richard Valente reflects on a journey that has both shaped the local dining scene and left an indelible mark on the community. For Valente, the success of Fratelli Kanata is not just in the quality of its food or the warmth of its atmosphere, but in a deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit that traces back to his Italian heritage.
“My parents were an incredible influence on us,” Valente shares with reverence. “I believe the business has been in our blood since childhood, going back to our roots in Italy in the wine and food service industry.” This legacy is more than a mere anecdote; it’s the foundation upon which Fratelli Kanata was built and has thrived for nearly a quarter-century.
When Valente and his brother Robert decided to expand their family’s business from its original Glebe location to Kanata in 2001, it was a bold move—one that many viewed as risky. “Back then, there was a farm across the street with horses and cows, and in the distance was the Sens’ hockey rink,” Valente recalls. “We opened about a week after 9/11. We were quite scared of what was going on in the world.” Yet, despite the uncertainty, the brothers remained confident that the quality and character of Fratelli would resonate with a new audience.
Much of that character Richard credits to his late brother Robert Valente, whose passion for food and wine helped to established Fratelli as a destination for discerning diners. “My father Pasquale runs Roberto Pizza in his honour,” Valente says of Robert’s enduring influence on the family business.
Over the years, Fratelli Kanata has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a community cornerstone, attracting loyal customers from across Ottawa. Valente attributes this success to a combination of factors, but none more significant than the team he has built. “My right arm at Fratelli Kanata is Tanya,” he notes. “She’s been influential in hiring and, most importantly, keeping most of our core team in place. We have a great work environment, and that’s why no one ever leaves! We’ve had a few check to see if the grass is greener on the other side, and they all keep coming back.”
This stability among staff is not just a point of pride for Valente; it’s a key component of the restaurant’s consistency, which has been critical to its longevity. “The biggest thing we’ve achieved is consistency, and for that, we can thank our incredibly loyal customers,” he asserts. Indeed, many of Fratelli Kanata’s patrons have been dining at the restaurant since it first opened its doors in Kanata, a testament to the quality of the experience Valente and his team deliver.
As he looks to the future, Valente is optimistic about what lies ahead for Fratelli Kanata. “The community is growing, and we keep changing with the times, but we always stay true to our roots of great food, great atmosphere and service, and big portions! It keeps the customers coming back and smiling,” he says, his enthusiasm unmistakable.
Valente’s approach to business is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about staying ahead of the curve while honoring the traditions that have defined Fratelli Kanata from the beginning. It’s a balancing act that requires foresight, adaptability, and a deep connection to the community—a combination that has proven to be a winning formula.
Fratelli Kanata prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Richard Valente remains at the helm, as passionate as ever about the restaurant he has nurtured from its infancy. “Next year will be 25 years in Kanata, and it’s been an incredible ride,” he reflects. “I’ve met thousands of amazing people who’ve become great customers and friends. I’m so honored to reach this milestone.”
By Catheryn Wheeler
