Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Frasca.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My two sets of grandparents came together in 1974 and created the first restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado – serving the famous and very unique “Panino”! (t’s a unique, Italian creation eaten like a rolled-up sandwich. We start with the Frasca Family secret dough recipe made fresh each morning, then add the highest-quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables. We bake until perfectly golden brown and serve with our homemade sauces and sides. From the Turkey Avocado to the Spaghetti Pie, there’s a Panino for everyone!)
After growing up in Colorado – with my parents owning several restaurants, we then moved to Minnesota and opened more! I went to high school and college in MN…and then started working in corporate America – at General Mills.
Fast forward to my move to PVB from Minnesota – I saw a void in a fast casual space to serve families. I was delighted by some of the restaurants here in the Beaches area – but frustrated that the good food was served on white linen tables…and it was hard to bring a toddler comfortably. So, I decided to bring my Panino to PVB – and we opened our doors in Spring of 2015! We designed a fast casual, counter-service restaurant that would serve all foodies – with GREAT food and GREAT service…and in an unpretentious setting. A place where everyone could come “as they are”!
We’ve had a couple of major changes through the eras – adding the Ponte Vedra Tap Room to expand our craft beer and wine menu…and making a spot for trivia nights and live music.
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to serve the community – and PVB has been very welcoming and supportive of our restaurant!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Heavens! Restaurants are fraught with challenges! Most restaurants fail within the first 5 years… Our 11 years has seen hurricanes, COVID, economic challenges and more!
But…the good outweighs the bad, many times over…and I look back at the challenges and realize that they were instrumental to our performance, our connection with the community, and our ability to pivot and problem-solve.
And, the 52+ years of The Panino make it a time-tested, guest favorite!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve built a career serving others – both through serving my family’s food to the PVB and Beaches Area…and I’ve built a consulting firm that coaches businesses to find ways to grow and scale.
I am and will always be most proud of being a female business owner and leader – that also enjoys a family of 5 kids and a wonderful husband. The balance of writing books, coaching other business leaders, leading the culture of Trasca, and being present for my family is not easy…but it is exceptionally rewarding.
My consulting firm: www.pointnortheast.com
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We have won Best Fast Food, Best Catering, Best Pizza and other awards numerous times. I ask that the community continue to support local – and have us cater their work events, bring our pizza to their team parties, and bring their families. We are not the least expensive option – and we don’t strive to be. We want to be known for this Mission Statement:
We serve great food, great service and a great experience,
To make each day better for our guests,
To make the Beaches Area more culturally vibrant,
And enrich the lives of our team.
Support us by visiting, trying the world-famous Panino, bring your buddies to have a craft beer and watch a game, and catering your celebrations with us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trascaandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trascaandco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trascaandco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trascaandco/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/trasca-and-co-eatery-ponte-vedra-beach-2
- Other: https://trascaandco.com/page/pv-tap-room
