Jennifer Rhoades wanted to stay true to her Sicilian roots when she recently opened her first certified kitchen – authentic food, family and fun.DiMisa Gourmet Sicily + Dolci is a quaint, walk-up window at 8205 U.S. 301 that offers Italian fare inspired by her grandmother Josephine DiMisa and her father Joseph DiMisa. It also builds on her five years of making sweets known as Toffee Tradition.

 “I used to be a stay at home mom and was able to make fresh meals for my family every night,” said Rhoades, whose four children now range from 14-23. “I see families struggling to do that. My whole concept is to make their lives easier.” Rhoades, a Plant High School alum, offered her homemade toffee to friends and then enhanced its popularity by placing it in restaurants such as Eats American Grill.