The Rhody Toast - with Melanie Lanni

Ainslie
Jun 27
4 min read

With over 30 years in the restaurant industry and Rhode Island roots, Melanie and her husband have built more than just dining destinations — they've created welcoming spaces where people gather, celebrate, and connect.

As the owner of three restaurants across the Ocean State, Melanie brings her signature warmth, experience, and attention to detail to every table and every event. Whether it’s an intimate rehearsal dinner, a lively bridal shower, or a birthday celebration, her venues offer the perfect backdrop for gatherings both big and small.

In this edition of The Rhody Toast, Melanie shares her journey, what keeps her inspired after three decades in hospitality, how she celebrates at home in North Providence with her family and how her restaurants bring people together — Rhode Island style.

PERSONAL STORY & LOCAL ROOTS

Tell us a little about where you grew up. Was it in Rhode Island?

I grew up in Johnston until I graduated high school then moved to North Providence where I currently still live.

What are some of your favorite childhood memories of celebrating special occasions here?

My mom would take me to the beach (where Scarborough South is now) every chance she could and those memories are filled with fun, food, laughter amongst family and friends.

How do you like to celebrate at home with friends and family?

My husband never had a pool growing up and always wanted one so he made our backyard a little oasis and every weekend we would have friends and family join us for a day filled with corn hole, volleyball in the pool, grilling food or making pasta for the guests and then ordering pizzas or hot weiners in the evening.

Do you have a go-to dish or drink when you’re hosting at home?

Cacio e Pepe.

Where do you like to shop locally — for food, drinks, decor, or hosting essentials?

Sal’s Bakery, Pastiche and our very own Il Fornello.

YOUR RESTAURANTS & INSPIRATION

What inspired you to start your restaurants?

My husband opened his first restaurant when he was 22 and now at age 52 he is about to open his fourth location. Owning your own restaurant is a lifestyle, you literally eat, sleep and breathe it. When you truly love what you do you it never feels like work.

How did the idea come together — was it always your dream, or did it evolve over time?

I met my husband 2 weeks after he opened Il Fornello in October of 1997 and here we are almost 30 years later still growing, learning and experiencing together.

What makes your restaurant’s food or experience feel personal or meaningful to you?

You will find my mother in law Maria, Mamma which everyone refers to her as, in the kitchen or in the dining room chatting with customers most days.

How does Rhode Island influence your menu, hospitality, or overall vibe?

We offer authentic Italian cuisine including Fried Calamari in an atmosphere that welcomes families to sit and enjoy a meal together and we pride ourselves on the fact that it is a family owned and operated business.

PRIVATE EVENTS & HOSTING AT YOUR VENUE

What types of private events or gatherings do you host at your restaurant (weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, etc.)?

We have done it all, in the last 27 years we have hosted every possible event you can imagine and for some families multiple occasions, for example, showers, anniversary, birthday, small weddings, baptism, communion, confirmation and coalitions for funerals.

What do you love about watching people celebrate in your space?

Watching the families grow-we are now seeing the young children that once celebrated their first communion now celebrating the baptism of their own children.

How does your team help make those events special or stress-free?

We have a staff that works along side of us some of them being with us from day one that goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is given attention too.

Are there unique features or offerings your venue provides — like custom menus, decor touches, or cozy spaces?

We have an outdoor patio area that can be utilized even if it rains for small gatherings of 30 people or more if weather permits the use of the wrap deck; Tony can customize any menu to our guests needs.

Do you have a favorite memory or story from a past event hosted at your restaurant?

Our son’s 16th birthday party was so memorable people still talk about it and my son will be 20 in December.

SALUTE!

If someone’s never visited your restaurant, what do you hope they feel or remember after dining with you?

A great meal with an attentive server for a reasonable price and of course mamma!!

What’s your favorite thing to toast to these days?

Good health.

Where can people follow along, book an event, or stop in for a bite?

Il Fornello located at 16 Josephine Street North Providence, RI. Please follow on Facebook and Instagram!

Be sure to check out their sister restaurants C rudo - Oyster Bar & Coastal Kitchen in Smithfield - which serves up sleek Italian specialties, seasonal offerings of crudo & oysters, brunch and a variety of pastas are served at this casual-chic spot. A great spot to host your post wedding brunch or rehearsal dinner!

AND they also have some of the BEST pizza in all of Rhode Island at Merlino's Pizzeria in Cranston. You'll want to order some of your next party at home - birthday, game night, football party - to really impress your guests!

A heartfelt thank you to Melanie for sharing the story behind your family’s beloved restaurants with The Rhody Toast — where authentic Italian flavors, fresh local seafood, and perfectly old-school pizza come together to create something truly special.

When can we come over and have a pool party?!?!

Want to be featured on THE RHODY TOAST? Contact Ainslie at downhomeeventsri@gmail.com

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