10/31/2007

Bob and Kelli Beck: a style all their own
By Bob Lassahn

Kelli and Bob Beck

At its 2007 Annual Installation and Awards Dinner the Ocean Pines Area Chamber of Commerce (OP Chamber) recognized Denovo's trattoria as the outstanding Business of the Year. The popular eatery, owned and operated by Bob and Kelli Beck of Ocean Pines, has become a favorite of area residents since opening in February 2005.

Bob and Kelli moved to Ocean Pines in July 2003 with the intent to open their own restaurant business. Kelli's parents already lived in the area and she visited often with their two small children while husband Bob worked long hours in the restaurant business as an employee. The area appealed to them and they both felt that if they were going to work hard, why not work for themselves and why not here?

Kelli says they researched the area carefully and considered a variety of locations, but when their present spot became available they knew it would be perfect for what they had in mind. They have both fully embraced the community and their feelings show in their diverse menu with deli sandwiches named for Ocean Pines areas such as "The Pintail" and "The Point."

Even the name they selected for the restaurant shows careful consideration and was something they worked on together. "DeNovo," located thanks to a lucky Google search, roughly translates to "over again" and that certainly seems what their clientele is bent on doing. As for "trattoria" it simply means an "informal restaurant serving Italian dishes."

Their menu certainly reflects this with an assortment of traditional Italian items, but Bob's interpretation of the term is a bit broader so their offerings are more "an Italian flair and a whole lot more." Diners may choose from a wide range of menu items other than pasta or pizza, ranging from fried shrimp to a New York Strip steak (100% Certified Angus Beef), General Tso’s Chicken or one of Bob Beck's special creations. The entire menu is available for take out service.

In September 2007 they decided to add breakfast to their offerings and Kelli says the business has been pretty good. The first of the breakfast crowd usually hits early, with a second wave coming in around 9 a.m. The breakfast menu offers all of the usual fare with a smattering of Bob's special dishes to round out the choices.

Business has been good and as the crowds began arriving earlier and continued later for both lunch and dinner the waiting times for seating increased. Bob and Kelli knew an expansion was definitely needed and with a space next door available they began growing the business. However, they were not inclined to accept prefab or "cookie cutter" accoutrements and set about designing the space to suit their interpretation of what was needed to make the facility special.

Working with carpenter Don Post the new dining area was carefully designed and built according to Bob and Kelli's vision for the new addition. The result is described by Kelli as a cozy, casual and friendly atmosphere with a variety of seating options including a lounge area with sofa and a beautifully crafted bar. DeNovo's currently serves beer and wine and is not a full service bar; an addition that Kelli says is a huge question mark.

For those who might be inclined to have a beverage at the bar DeNovo's offers a unique treat. "Frappe vino," what is basically a frozen wine "slurpee" is available in both a red and a white selection. Presently available on weekends only, Kelli says they may expand the treat to a daily offering if it proves popular. There is also a wide assortment of domestic and imported beers, and a selection of wines. When visiting be sure to check out the well stocked wine nook that is Bob's pride and joy.

Bob and Kelli stress that DeNovo's success is due in large measure to its employees, a group they sum up as a great crew with a good work ethic. Service is an important element in attracting a loyal clientele and apparently DeNovo's has hit the mark. Many faces have become familiar and repeat customers are a rule rather than an exception.

DeNovo's trattoria is located at 11310 Manklin Creek Road in the Manklin Station business area at the Ocean Pines South Gate. Visit their website at www.denovos.com for menu selections and daily specials