NEWS: Little Mama's Italian To Open in Cornelius

From FS Food Group (republished with permission):

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 17, 2025) — FS Food Group is expanding its popular Italian-American concept, Little Mama’s Italian, to Cornelius, with an anticipated opening in early 2026. Little Mama’s has quickly become one of Charlotte’s most beloved Italian-American restaurants, celebrated for its scratch-made pastas, fresh mozzarella prepared to order, brick oven pizzas, and warm, welcoming hospitality. Now, the flavors and traditions that have made it a favorite in Charlotte are headed to the Lake Norman community.

The new Cornelius location will feature 4,300 square feet of dining space, including a cozy dining room, a refined bar, and a bright, airy sunroom. Designed to seat 140 guests, the restaurant will carry forward the signature blend of comfort and sophistication that has defined Little Mama’s since its opening. The space is designed for everything from family gatherings and date nights to celebrations with friends.

“Little Mama’s is a heartfelt project for me, built on the simple yet delicious flavors of my childhood in New England,” said Frank Scibelli, founder of FS Food Group. “These are the foods I grew up with and love to share—classic Italian-American dishes, made from scratch and served with genuine hospitality. We’re excited to bring that tradition to Cornelius and Lake Norman.”

A Natural Extension of FS Food Group

Launched as a sister restaurant to the long-standing Charlotte favorite Mama Ricotta’s, Little Mama’s celebrates the Italian-American restaurants of the 1960s and 70s that inspired Scibelli growing up. Chef partner Tom Dyrness, FS Food Group COO Stephanie Kalish, and Beverage Director Mary Wilson all contribute to shaping the concept and guest experience. With existing locations in SouthPark and Rea Farms, Little Mama’s combines classic dishes with thoughtful service to create a dining experience rooted in both nostalgia and quality. The Cornelius restaurant will also feature a brick oven pizza program, modeled after the Rea Farms location, offering both traditional and creative pies alongside the restaurant’s pasta and mozzarella menus.

Menu Highlights

Guests can expect signature dishes such as the Mozzarella Presentation, Penne alla Vodka, the restaurant’s famous Lasagna, Giant Homemade Prime Beef Meatballs with Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan, and a wide selection of brick oven pizzas. The menu will be rounded out with carefully chosen wines and craft cocktails designed by Beverage Director Mary Wilson. “We can’t wait to bring quality Italian wines to pair with the lake life,” said Wilson.\

Location and Hours

Little Mama’s Italian
9623 Bailey Rd, Suite 100
Cornelius, NC 28031

Once open, hours of operation will be: Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. & Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

For updates, please visit www.littlemamastialian.com or follow @littlemamastialian.

ABOUT LITTLE MAMA’S ITALIAN

Little Mama’s Italian is part of FS Food Group, the Charlotte-based restaurant company founded by restaurateur Frank Scibelli. Inspired by the Italian-American restaurants of the 1960s and 70s in New England, Little Mama’s features scratch-made pastas, mozzarella prepared to order, brick oven pizzas, and classic dishes served with warmth and hospitality. With locations in SouthPark, Rea Farms, and soon Cornelius, Little Mama’s continues FS Food Group’s tradition of creating beloved neighborhood restaurants across the Carolinas.