Edward Carrella and his wife wanted to retire to northern Michigan, but the COVID-19 pandemic moved up their plans. The Chicago native lost his restaurant job during the initial stages of the pandemic in 2020. They now live full time in Frankfort, where his wife’s family has visited for decades.

Carrella and his business partner Tim Potter, a summertime Michigan resident, opened Vita Bella Italian Kitchen on Main Street about 10 days ago. Carrella runs daily operations, while Potter oversees the financial side from his home in Missouri.