Last summer Creative Loafing Tampa checked in with the Santell family about its forthcoming namesake restaurant in Odessa. Santelli Pizza & Pasta took its time perfecting its menu and renovating its home at 13357 SR-54 throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, nearly six months after its initial interview, Santelli is preparing to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 12. 

Just days away from its debut, founders Ralph and Susan Santell, want to give diners a taste of their Italian heritage while incorporating from-scratch recipes Ralph acquired over the years in the restaurant industry. The fast-casual restaurant invites diners to tuck in for an evening around a hot plate of pasta and good company similar to family dinners from his childhood lasting up to four-and-a-half hours. Well, you don't have to stick around that long.