Opportunity Knocks

With Francie launched and awarded a Michelin Star and with glowing reviews from the New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Infatution, the partners/owners Chef Chris Cipollone,  restaurateur John Winterman and businessman Mark Norbom were exploring expansion opportunities when the two-story building next door was put up for sale. With a courtyard abutting Francie, there was potential for shared outdoor space, shared production, leverage of their neighborhood following, expanding on a growing reputation, as well as shared operating expense and experience. Mark purchased the building in late 2021 and the partners began the planning process for Allegretto (Francie’s music professor from the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) using the first floor, street front, basement and courtyard. 

VISION / A casual and welcoming neighborhood gathering spot featuring wood-fired pizzas and other specialties and small plates for drinks, a bite or a meal with friends. A place where you can laugh, relax and enjoy life either in the high-ceilinged bistro, open storefront or the vined courtyard shared with sister restaurant Francie. 

INSPIRATION / European-influenced dishes drawn from the Italian menu concept of “sfizi” (“unusual things you desire”) featuring bespoke pizzas and breads along with roasted dishes of fish, fowl, meats and vegetables from a wood-burning oven. Unique salads and charcuterie or marinated items will complement an offering of European and local craft beer with a comfortable selection of wines and seasonal cocktails. 

What We Need & What You Get

From design to opening, Allegretto will require $2.38M of capital. $1.95M has already been secured as equity from various outside investor and partner Mark Norbom. We are seeking $450K in this campaign.  5% passes to Indiegogo to finance the campaign and the remaining funds will stand side-by-side with our equity investors. Equity funds are already being used as follows for the scheduled opening of Allegretto by the 4th quarter of this year:

$1.5M for leasehold improvements to renovate the townhouse next door to Francie  into a world-class bakery in the basement and restaurant on the 1st floor, courtyard and street-front.  

$0.3M for the interior design and equipment to deliver an comfortable European-style experience.

$0.2M for top restaurant architect Glen Coben, kitchen firm Next Step Design, engineers and expediters.

$0.4M for organizational development, pre-opening expenses and working capital.

These are a few examples of the benefits to be provided for your support. Note that certain benefits will vary based on the level of your support:

– An annual gift card equal to 10% of your investment for the first 10 years that can be used at either Allegretto or Francie.

– Priority reservation status at either Allegretto or Francie.

– Recognition of your support in an architectural feature in Allegretto (such as a brick, tile or ceiling mural).

– Access to periodic specials and events at Allegretto specifically for Indiegogo supporters.

Allegretto is being built today and will be a reality even if the full $450K is not raised in this campaign. The remaining required funds will be raised through a small business loan or provided by partner Mark Norbom.

The Impact

Your support will help create one of NYC’s top wood-fired restaurants with pizzas designed with methods from Naples, the cradle of the world’s best pizzas, but differentiated by authentic shared dishes in the tradition of Italian “sfizi” (Italy’s version of tapas). Chef Chris and partner Mark recently returned from a “research trip” to southern Italy to inspire the menu for Allegretto.

Risks & Challenges

The restaurant industry is rife with stories of failures, but Allegretto has strengths that other restaurants do not. Francie opened at the beginning of the pandemic and not only survived, but thrived due to the determination and expertise of the partners. Chef Chris Cipollone has been awarded Michelin Stars for his techniques at Francie and also for his efforts at Piora. Chef Chris’ family came from southern Italy and it his dream to bring this cuisine and Allegretto  to NYC. Restaurateur John Winterman is well-recognized in the industry for his operating expertise at world-renowned restaurants such as Charlie Trotter’s, Daniel, Batard and Francie. John is the heart of Francie’s superior service and welcoming atmosphere. Businessman Mark Norbom brings his lifelong finance and business development experience and love of hospitality to enable Chef Chris and John to do what they do best with a strong business platform. Mark can be seen on the floor of Francie most nights helping with the service and building relationships with patrons. 

The synergies with Francie will also provide Allegretto a unique strength. A entrance has already been built in Francie’s hallway to Allegretto’s outside courtyard to facilitate this connection. Allegretto will provide baked goods and pastries for both restaurants while Francie will provide butchery. Management, personnel, admin, systems and business practices will be shared. And Allegretto will benefit from Francie’s strong neighborhood following, reputation, established suppliers and practices as well as operating expense and experience.

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word on Allegretto’s fund raising campaign. this is truly a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor at what promises to be a legendary restaurant for Brooklyn and NYC!  Become a member of Francie by going to our website, www.franciebrooklyn.com and clicking on “House Accounts”.