CHARLOTTE, N.C. — You know our next guest from Hell’s Kitchen and the Food Network challenge. He’s an esteemed Chef, TV personality, and the co-owner of Fontana Di Vino in SouthPark. Here with more is Chef Scott Leibfried.
Chef Scott Leibfried, known to many from his time on Hell’s Kitchen and his culinary ventures in Hawaii, has found a new home in Charlotte. Teaming up with Robert Maynard, CEO of Won Life Brands and co-founder of Famous Toastery, Leibfried has launched Fontana Di Vino, a restaurant that blends authentic Italian tradition with modern flair. The SouthPark location is already welcoming guests, while a second outpost in Davidson is set to open in November.
A Taste of Italy, A Touch of Innovation
Fontana Di Vino is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience.
“We just want to be a place where people come and share three or four pastas, steak, and order a great bottle of wine,” says Chef Scott Leibfried.
Inspired by a transformative trip to Italy, Leibfried and Maynard envisioned a space where guests could linger, connect, and indulge in the art of Italian dining. The concept is rooted in ossimoro, the Italian idea of harmonizing tradition and innovation.
“There’s so much tradition in Italian culture, and we want to be respectful of that. But we also want to innovate,” Leibfried explains.
What’s on the Table
Guests at Fontana Di Vino can expect:
Ricotta Cavatelli: Made in-house with fresh ricotta, served in a pink sauce and finished with pecorino romano—this is the dish Chef Scott will be preparing live in your kitchen.Roman-style Pinsa: A lighter, crispier alternative to pizza, with gluten-free options available.Tableside Activations: Including the popular polenta pour, where three types of polenta are served family-style from a cart.Prime Steaks & Mozzarella Bar: From filet mignon to ribeye, and fresh mozzarella crafted live.
SouthPark & Davidson: Two Locations, One Vision
The SouthPark location, at 4905 Ashley Park Lane, opened in May and features 5,000 square feet of indoor, bar, and patio seating. Davidson’s location will take over the former Davidson Ice House at 416 S. Main Street, with plans to open in late 2025. Both venues aim to foster community through food.
“Hospitality, respect, and fun—all of which are modeled in the dining room by the welcoming staff,” says Leibfried.
He adds, “We visited unique places and sat with really unique people, talking about innovation and food. There’s so much tradition in Italian culture, and we want to be respectful of that. But we also want to innovate.”
For more visit Fontanadivino.co or follow on Instagram @fontanadivino.
Dining and Cooking