News Summary
Columbia mourns the loss of Carmella Tronco Martin, the matriarch of Villa Tronco Italian Ristorante, who passed away at the age of 100. A vital figure in the restaurant’s history, Carmella helped transform it into Columbia’s oldest continuously operating eatery since its establishment in 1940. The restaurant, famous for its Italian-American cuisine, has been a family-led operation and community pillar, reflecting the legacy and love that Carmella brought to the business.
Carmella Tronco Martin, Matriarch of Columbia’s Oldest Restaurant, Passes Away at 100
Columbia, South Carolina, is in mourning as the community remembers the life of Carmella Tronco Martin, the beloved matriarch of Villa Tronco Italian Ristorante. Carmella passed away at the impressive age of 100, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the rich history of this cherished eatery, known as Columbia’s oldest continuously running restaurant.
A Family Legacy of Flavor
Villa Tronco, located at 1213 Blanding St., has been a pillar of the community since it was established in August 1940. The restaurant’s roots trace back to Carmella’s mother, Sadie Tronco, who started the business by serving hearty dishes like spaghetti and meatballs to soldiers of Northern Italian descent during World War II. This simple act of hospitality blossomed into Columbia’s first Italian restaurant, introducing local residents to the joys of pizza, a delightful culinary experience that many had never encountered before.
Carmella and Henry: A Team That Changed Hearts and Palates
Carmella, alongside her husband Henry Martin, dedicated 41 years of their lives working alongside “Mama Sadie” at Villa Tronco, ensuring the warmth and culinary magic remained alive in the establishment until Sadie’s passing in 1988. The loving couple took the reins and managed the restaurant smoothly until they decided to pass it on to their daughter and son-in-law, Carmella and Joe Roche, in 1972.
Carmella and Henry were partners not just in the kitchen but in life, having been married for an incredible 73 years until Henry’s passing in September 2019. Their enduring relationship is often reflected in the family atmosphere of Villa Tronco, which has welcomed generations of customers.
A Celebrate 85-Year Journey
This August, Villa Tronco will be celebrating its 85th anniversary, a milestone that is a testament to the restaurant’s resilience, charm, and community significance. It remained family-owned and operated, with the Roche family continuing the legacy. Five generations of the Tronco family have played a role in the operations, showing how deep the roots of this establishment run in the Columbia community.
In a heartwarming tribute to its historical impact, a block of Blanding Street has been renamed “Villa Tronco Way”, a nod to the restaurant’s invaluable contributions to the area. The street naming ceremony took place on September 12, a significant day attended by the city’s Mayor.
A Delicious Menu with a Cozy Feel
Villa Tronco is not just about history; it’s also about the mouthwatering meals that have defined it for decades. Known for its classic Italian-American dishes, the menu features fan favorites like lasagna, pizza, and the famous pan-seared chicken Villa Tronco. The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and filled with warmth, often highlighted by customers’ praise for its community feel.
The restaurant employs around 15 staff members, many of whom have decades of experience serving guests. This commitment to quality and family extends beyond the kitchen as current owners Joe and Carmella Roche ensure that every meal feels like it comes from their own home. Special events and musical activities regularly take place, making each visit a special occasion.
The Next Generation
Representing the younger generation of this rich legacy is Tripp Roche, the grandson of Carmella and Joe. He embodies the family’s dedication to the restaurant, aiding in implementing new ideas while maintaining the cherished traditions that have made Villa Tronco a beloved Columbia destination.
As the community reflects on the remarkable life of Carmella Tronco Martin, it’s evident that her spirit will remain in every plate served and every heart touched at Villa Tronco. With a history as rich as its menu, this iconic restaurant is poised to continue sharing its love for Italian food for many more generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia’s Villa Tronco Set to Celebrate 85 Years of Culinary Legacy in 2025
Columbia’s Villa Tronco Set to Celebrate 85 Years of Italian American Tradition in 2025
Columbia Hosts Annual Restaurant Hall of Fame Dinner to Honor Culinary Legends
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- The State
- ColaDaily
- WISTV
- AOL
- Wikipedia: Villa Tronco
- Google Search: Villa Tronco history
- Google Scholar: Villa Tronco restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Villa Tronco
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