Though completely unplanned the idea was a welcome one for Maria who knew from a very young age she wanted to run her own restaurant. “As of kindergarten when my parents would say, ‘what do you want to do when you grow up?’ I would say ‘I want my own restaurant.’ I knew what I wanted to do,” said Maria. “I grew up helping out around our family-owned Santa Lucia at the age of 12, washing dishes, bussing tables and helping mom cook.” Once the idea was in the air things moved fast. “Pack your bags,” said Maria’s father, “we’re going to make this happen!” Maria and Geoff trusted the process and one-by-one things began to fall into place. Young and filled with pride neither wanted to ask their parents for money. It was important for them to do this on their own.
GOOD.BETTER.BEST Santa Lucia Restaurant and The American Dream
Words by Kim Malakowsky Photography by Dennis Krull, 5foot20 Design Lounge
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serendipitous trip to Fargo in the early 70s took Maria and Geoff Wilson from their Canadian town of Winnipeg to what became their American dream.
While on an ordinary visit to Fargo with Maria’s parents, a “For Sale” sign on 13th Avenue caught father Archie’s eye. “This is it—this is where we’re going to open a Santa Lucia,” he exclaimed prompting Geoff to cautiously question, “What are you talking about?”
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With hard work, dedication and the longing to raise their family in the quaint town of Fargo, the Wilsons made the move. Over and over again Maria would explain to land owners, builders, and others, “We have no money, but you can check us out, we have a good name. We were born and raised in Winnipeg, I worked at the restaurant with my parents.” An offer was made and accepted on the land. A local builder took a chance on the young couple and made renovations on the building. A Moorhead car dealership brought them a Chevrolet Cavalier trusting they were good for their word. They went on to rent an apartment, acquire $30,000 worth of culinary equipment, move through the immigration process and open the restaurant doors. The year was 1990. Maria fondly remembers the early years. Though not easy, they truly show how far one can come with vision and a heart full of desire. “I remember getting up one morning and the blow-up mattress we were sleeping on was flat as a pancake and I couldn’t even get up,” she tells. “I had a young son and I was pregnant with my daughter.” The business was busy from the start and feeling overwhelmed Maria convinced brother