Muriale’s Restaurant in Fairmont, WV is the winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office 2015 Family-Owned Small Business of the Year. Rocco Muriale, owner and second generation family member, was nominated for the award by Tina Shaw, President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce President.
Muriale’s Restaurant is a full service Italian restaurant located off of I-79 in Marion County, and has served the tri-state area since 1969. The restaurant was started by brothers Frank and Sam Muriale, their wives, grandparents, and numerous family members.
When the restaurant first opened, it seated 32 guests and was known for its Italian specialties. Today, after receiving an SBA loan-guarantee in the 90’s, the restaurant seats 300 and offers a full on and off-site catering service and a complete menu dedicated to Italian cuisine.
“The loan we received through Wesbanco and the SBA allowed us to expand our facility and grow the business,” states Muriale. “Without SBA backing our loan, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Muriale’s is a staple in the community, not only as a restaurant but as an employer. The once small Italian restaurant that was started and run by family members now employs 70 to 100 local residents, including many Fairmont State University students.
You would think this is a great restaurant success story – but if you ask, Rocco will tell you he isn’t in the restaurant business – he is in the hospitality business. Muriale’s has a long standing tradition of providing excellent food along with a superior dining experience – and he credits the customer service side of the business to their success.
“I pride the success of this business on the employees who work here,” states Muriale. “I try to find skilled employees that share my customer service values.” Muriale requires a two-to-four week training program for every position in the restaurant to ensure all who dines at the restaurant have a great experience.
Rocco knows the importance of giving back to the community that so strongly supports his small business. He’s served on numerous boards and committees in Marion County. As Fairmont State alumni he supported all aspects of the university and received a letter of recommendation from President Maria C. Rose. He’s also been involved with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, Marion County Soup Opera, Marion County Humane Society, Marion County United Way, and many other community organizations and schools.
SBA’s West Virginia District Office celebrates Muriale’s award during a luncheon at the Canaan Valley State Park & Conference Center in Davis, Wednesday, May 27 at 11:30 a.m. during the 25th Annual Teaming to Win Conference. The awards luncheon is emceed by Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. Click here for a list of the 2015 West Virginia District Small Business Week winners. Register for the event at www.teamingtowin.org.
