Fountain Inn’s Angelina’s: A Culinary Stand-Off Amid Legal Battles
In the heart of Fountain Inn, a local gem named Angelina’s has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine for over a month, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of cashing in on their delicious dishes, the owners are giving it all away—at great financial peril. So why are they doing this? Let’s dive into the story behind one of South Carolina’s most talked-about restaurants.
A Taste of Rich Tradition
Angelina’s, founded by Paul Cheli and his wife Virginia, pays homage to Paul’s grandmother and has quickly attracted a devoted following. “It’s breathlessly delicious,” exclaimed a customer, savoring the thick, flaky crust that sets this establishment apart from typical pizza joints. Another patron chimed in, “A lot of pizza crusts are like cardboard; this is not like that.”
But here’s the twist: They can’t sell a single slice.
Legal Drama: Stuck in a Limbo
The city of Fountain Inn has put Angelina’s business operations on hold due to a hefty debt—over $200,000 in hospitality taxes—accumulated by the previous tenant, Frank’s House of Pizza (FHOP). Paul Cheli asserted, “The city is trying to hold our business license up because of a debt owed by somebody else.”
When Paul and Virginia signed their lease on March 9, they had no idea they were stepping into a legal quagmire. Just three days later, the City of Fountain Inn filed a temporary restraining order that froze all business activities at their location, effectively locking the Cheli family out of their own venture.
Confusion and Consequences
Virginia pointed out the lack of communication: “We weren’t made aware; our landlord didn’t know.” This unfortunate situation has forced the Cheli family into giving away free samples five days a week to keep their staff engaged and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Paul stressed, “I keep giving it out and keep it going because I don’t want to lose my staff. If I lose my staff, then it’s pretty much done.”
A Community’s Outcry
The Cheli’s predicament has not gone unnoticed. Local attorneys describe the situation as unusual, noting that unless proven otherwise, the city’s claims against Angelina’s are unfounded. One legal expert stated, “This is forcing a locally owned business to stand the heat or get out of the kitchen.”
During just a month and a half of operation without a license, Angelina’s has reportedly lost at least $200,000. Paul lamented, “It’s very hard because we’re offering a good thing. Even if the city is owed all the money they claim, that’s none of my business. But they could be getting revenue from us.”
A Call for Support
As Angelina’s continues to navigate this swamp of regulations, they have received overwhelming support from the community. Food lovers and locals alike are rallying around this culinary haven, urging the city to reconsider its stance.
For more updates on this unfolding story, stay tuned as we hope to see Angelina’s return to the vibrant food scene in Fountain Inn, where they truly belong.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the ongoing saga of Angelina’s? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments and help support local businesses! Together, we can make a difference.
For more details on similar stories, check out NPR’s coverage on local business struggles amid legal challenges.
