Charlotte’s Top Dining Destinations: Fran’s Filling Station

The Chef: Fran Scibelli

Fran Scibelli opened her first restaurant in Charlotte in 1994, the Metropolitan Café. She followed that with the first artisan bakery in Charlotte, Metropolitan Bakery. A Stanford Law School graduate, Scibelli’s time in the Bay Area built upon her family’s love for food, leading her on a culinary journey through studying, tasting and experimenting over the years. A former white collar criminal defense lawyer in Washington, D.C., Scibelli says she didn’t quit because she didn’t like the law, but because she loved food and hospitality more.

She enjoys the craft of cooking and the aesthetics of food, and her inspiration comes from many places including her mom, culinary adventures and photos. Taking care of customers and having the opportunity to be a part of their good times—watching old and new friends of all ages relax and connect at the table in the space she is able to provide—are just a few of the reasons Scibelli loves her restaurant.

The Look: Inviting & Modern

From the grey and taupe colors, beautiful light fixtures above the tables and bar, and bits of exposed brick, guests entering Fran’s Filling Station can see the modern, rustic elegance of Fran’s that relaxes and invites. The atmosphere surrounding Fran’s is casual, simple and classic. The easygoing environment of the restaurant is come-as-you-are and allows guests to feel comfortable, as though they are at home. There is no pressure to get dressed up or impress others at this cozy neighborhood spot. Throughout the course of the day, a dimmer is used, and at night, tea lights are added to create extra warmth for dinner.

The Dish: Fran’s Meatballs

When they were first introduced on the menu almost 7 years ago when Fran’s Filling Station opened, Fran’s Meatballs were served in a large, deep bowl with only tomato sauce, gooey cheese and grilled bread. Today, the dish is ordered more than 300 times a month and is served over braised greens or orzo with fresh mozzarella. Soft and flavorful, the meatballs are made of turkey, pork and beef in a lightly cooked in plum tomato sauce with plenty of flavorful basil and cheese.

Made only by the restaurant’s owner and the dish’s creator, Fran Scibelli, and one other person, the meatballs are prepared daily with great attention to detail, using the best and freshest ingredients. Rustic in presentation, the fragrant dish is an improved upon classic and always crafted with care.

Fran’s Filling Station: 2410 Park Road, Charlotte.

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 10:24 PM.