From humble beginnings in Sicily to franchising in the United States, Giuseppe Ruta built La Bottega with family values, hard-earned lessons and expert legal support.

When Giuseppe Ruta opened his first La Bottega location in 2003, he wasn’t thinking about national expansion or Franchise Disclosure Documents. He was thinking about family, food and how to create a warm, authentic Italian experience in the United States for people who appreciated the simple beauty of a good meal.

“The first La Bottega was a small, hole-in-the-wall place,” Ruta said. “It was the only rent we could afford. My wife cooked at home, and I focused on hospitality and customer service. You’ve got to put your soul, your passion — everything you have — into it.”

Ruta’s entrepreneurial story began even earlier — at age 18, when he opened a panini shop in Sicily with no formal training and no safety net. He moved to the U.S. at 23, started a family and worked his way through restaurant kitchens, learning the language and the business from the ground up. Over time, his focus sharpened: he wanted something of his own again, something lasting.

That vision became La Bottega, a family-run concept rooted in fresh ingredients, simple preparation and exceptional service. The idea resonated. Customers lined up. And eventually, they started asking when and where the next location would open. That’s when Ruta began to seriously consider franchising.

Passion Alone Wasn’t Enough

“At first, it was more passion than analysis,” Ruta said. “I thought I had my cards in check, but franchising requires a completely different approach than running a single business.”

Early expansion efforts came with hard lessons. Ruta quickly realized that growing a franchise brand was not just about replicating a recipe — it was about building systems, legal infrastructure and clear expectations. “We didn’t have all our checks in order back then,” he said. “You learn you need a team behind you — attorneys, compliance experts — because once you start franchising, it becomes a legal structure, not just a handshake.”

Building the Foundation with Spadea Lignana

That’s when Ruta connected with Spadea Lignana, the franchise law firm that helped La Bottega formalize its franchise model and prepare for responsible growth.

“Spadea Lignana helped us structure our franchise agreement and FDD — which is like the Bible for a successful franchise,” Ruta said. “What I like about Spadea is that they’re always there. If you have a question, they pick up the phone. You’re not going through four or five people before you get someone who can help. If there’s an issue, they’re there. That gives me confidence.”

With Spadea Lignana’s guidance, Ruta was able to shift from operating on instinct to operating with clarity and compliance. That solid legal foundation has allowed La Bottega to grow while staying true to its roots.

A Hands-On, Family-First Philosophy

Even with the right legal team in place, Ruta emphasizes that franchising is not a passive investment — it’s a hands-on business that demands passion and daily engagement. “We can give you maybe 60 percent — the system, the support — but you have to want to do it,” he said. “You have to dedicate yourself to the concept for at least the first six to 12 months, understand your community and really care about the details.”

Now joined by his children — who gained their own experience in the food industry before returning to the family business — Ruta is focused on growing La Bottega in a way that honors its origins.

“I’ve lived 33 years in a foreign country. I didn’t speak the language when I arrived,” he said. “Now I have three well-educated kids and a successful business that maybe has the opportunity to really fly in the next couple of years. That feels pretty remarkable to me.”

Advice for Aspiring Franchisors

Ruta’s biggest piece of advice for those thinking about franchising: don’t go it alone.

“Do your homework, and do it fast. Hire the right companies from day one — don’t try to wing it,” he said. “Most important of all: have a good attorney behind you. That gives you peace of mind so you can focus on your actual concept — whether it’s selling paninis or fixing fans.”

Thanks to that blend of passion, perspective and professional support, La Bottega is now positioned not just as a restaurant, but as a scalable, story-driven franchise — one built on family, hospitality and the power of doing things right the first time.