| Rich Frank and John Hansen, longtime friends and business partners of the late celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, have announced their full ownership and management of Napa Valley’s iconic restaurant Bottega Napa Valley. Since 2008, Bottega has been a beloved dining destination in the heart of Yountville, Calif., celebrated for its Italian-inspired cuisine with a distinctive California twist. |
| Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alex Espinoza, who was mentored by the legendary Chef Chiarello, Bottega continues to thrive as one of the region’s premier dining establishments. Chef Espinoza joined Bottega in 2021 following his time at Tra Vigne, Chiarello’s high-profile wine country restaurant in St. Helena. Espinoza brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a deep appreciation for the restaurant’s legacy. His passion for food and dedication to his craft began at an early age when his grandmother taught him how to make cheese on his family farm. |
Bottega Napa Valley is renowned for its seasonal ingredients, house-made pastas and bold, rustic flavors, offering guests a memorable dining experience that blends old-world charm with contemporary Napa elegance. As Frank and Hansen embark on this new chapter, they invite guests to join them in celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Bottega while looking forward to the future under Chef Espinoza’s creative vision. The new owners plan to continue Chiarello’s legacy of house-made pasta and seasonally-inspired entrées as well as “exciting menu additions.” Frank is the former president of Disney Studios and the founder of iconic Napa Valley winery, Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga. “We are excited to work alongside Chef Alex and the talented team at Bottega, many of whom have been with us since the beginning,” says Frank. Hansen is a longtime investor and general manager in consumer businesses, including a hospitality business in Rome. “Italy has been a second home to me for decades, and Bottega has always authentically captured the heart and soul of Italian hospitality,” says Hansen. Although the restaurant was wholly owned by Chiarello, both Frank and Hansen have been partners in Bottega from its start. |