OUR STORY

This brand new Italian concept from the Belle team of Andy McClure, John Shanesy, and Scott Shanesy brings Roman style pizza and classic Tuscan sandwiches to the Belmont neighborhood.
Born from over a decade of visiting small Italian towns, Andy often wondered why these amazing sandwiches on this perfect bread were not available in the US. While that has started to change slightly, the opening of Belle (407 Monticello Road) and teaming up with baker Scott and chef John meant that the possibility of opening one of these “schiacciata” shops could finally become a reality.
They all popped over to Rome, Florence, and the Tuscan coast (where focaccia was born), to learn, feast, and fall further in love with these breads. That trip, along with countless hours of Scott perfecting his bread and John experimenting with toppings and combinations has resulted in a dream come true, an authentic Italian pizza and focaccia shop in Charlottesville Virginia. A reflection of some of the finest foods in the world done their way, and along with Belle, another example of what this team, and especially these artisans are capable of.

*Along with co-owning Belle and Ciaccia with John and Scott Shanesy, Andy McClure owns Citizen Burger Bar and The Virginian Restaurant, and co-owns Ellie’s Country Club (with Ashley Major), Lucky’s Cheesesteaks and Brightside Beach Pub (with Patrick McClure and Erik Dexheimer), Grisette and Jardin in Richmond (with Donnie Glass), and Beaucoup in Richmond (with Donnie Glass and Eli Adams).