Antonio and Maria Fundora face each morning with the same positive hope, focus and discipline that has given their family purpose and meaning since they immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960’s.

Forty-four days before Fidel Castro declared his fifty-year blockade, refusing to allow the citizens of Cuba the right to come and go from the island, Antonio Fundora left Cuba and came to the United States.  Antonio Fundora settled in West Palm Beach, FL for a while where he began his career at the bottom of the restaurant ladder, but his heart was set on pursuing the American dream, which lead him to New York City and Long Island. There he found his true passion of baking and cooking Italian food.

Antonio rose rapidly through the apprentice system and quickly became a master baker and chef. In the early 70’s he visited Atlanta, GA while on vacation and realized he had found the place he wanted to settle down and call home.  Shortly after moving to Atlanta, he opened his first Italian restaurant, Alfredo’s.  Other restaurants followed, Avanti’s, Toni’s Casa Napoli, Antonio’s Bakery, Tony’s Farmer’s Market and Casa Nuova in Alpharetta, GA.

Twenty-one years later, in 1987, Antonio Fundora and Maria Llanes met on a blind date in Atlanta, GA.  Maria and her mother, Iluminada had moved from Chicago to Atlanta in 1984 to pursue their own careers.  Who could have known then just how much these two Cuban natives would have in common or how extensively their lives would touch so many others around the world with hope, courage, inspiration and love over the next twenty-seven years.

Maria is the General Manager and Antonio is the Master Chef at their restaurant Casa Nuova in Alpharetta, GA, which opened in 1998. Not only do they make a successful team in business but they share their success very generously in their community and far beyond.   Their presence in the Alpharetta and Cumming community reaches the hearts and lives of hundreds of regular patrons as they infuse inspiration and a welcoming environment to all those who their frequent Authentic Italian restaurant.

Antonio and Maria Fundora are well known for their generous outreach and support to the local community by hosting fundraisers for causes including:

St. Brendan’s Church Haiti earthquake victims

Milton High School

Milton Chorale

Cambridge High School

Hopewell Middle School

Forsyth Central Marching Band

Summit Hill Elementary

Kings Ridge Christian School

GT for the Kids Dance Marathon through Children’s Miracle Network

Larry King Cardiac Foundation

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Cancer Society

Jesse’s House

Dining Out for Life

An Evening of Hope

Cooperative for Education

We are blessed to have so many team members that have been with us for over ten years:

Of course the entire Casa Nuova staff is integral to bringing delicious meals to your table. Thank you so much to all our valued team members!