Dot Brown stands with Scott Groth, owner of Bellini’s Italian Restaurant, after a satisfying meal of spaghetti and a house salad. Our family went out to dinner to celebrate the Hotel Putnam’s recent victory and DeLand winning the America’s Main Street contest. What better place to celebrate than Bellini’s Italian Restaurant, a family-owned DeLand restaurant that exemplifies everything that is special about our community.

Bellini’s is owned by Scott Groth, who is celebrating 39 years in business. Bellini’s was started by Scott’s stepfather, Nick Bellini, in DeBary in 1976. In 1978, Bellini’s moved to DeLand, and Scott and his wife, Theresa, joined the family business, moving from New York. Scott and Theresa ingrained themselves in this community and in the lives of their employees and customers.