Our Story

In 1986, Bill Shumate and Joanie Corneil shared one vision, to provide the people of Tampa with authentic Italian cuisine. Now, Bella’s Italian Café is one of the longest-standing and most popular establishments in the area. Other restaurants have come and gone, but our authentic Italian food has been feeding residents and visitors alike for over 30 years. Shumate owned and operated a variety of restaurants all over the country starting in 1964; he served as Chairman of the Hillsborough County chapter of the Florida Restaurant Association as well as President of the Florida Restaurant Association. Corneil is also a seasoned restaurateur, having successfully operated two establishments in her home state of Oklahoma.