After years of turmoil, new hope emerges for 112 West Union

The long struggle of 112 W. Union St., Morganton, conveniently known as Bella Vino (and previously Yanni’s), has seen its twists and turns for decades.

Over the years, residents and visitors have watched the property cycle through many chapters — from a thriving family-style Greek restaurant through a series of ownership changes, shifting menus, allegations of employee misconduct, declining popularity, public clashes with city leaders, eviction notices, lawsuits, and costly fines.

Now, it appears those troubles are behind us. Morganton is poised to bring in an experienced and successful restaurant operator, and, if plans advance as expected, a full-service eatery serving lunch and dinner six days a week could soon open in the heart of downtown.

And as a downtown business with 10 employees in the newsroom, always searching for business lunch options, we couldn’t be happier.

At Monday’s Morganton City Council meeting, the council unanimously voted to declare the former Bella Vino property as surplus, allowing it to be sold.

The leading offer comes from Cranford Hospitality Group, a privately owned restaurant group based in Hickory, which has proposed a $425,000 purchase with a $25,000 earnest money deposit.

Cranford was among several bidders. Sally Sandy, Morganton’s city manager, told the council that Cranford’s proposal best aligns with the city’s goals of returning the property to private ownership and creating a strong economic driver to boost downtown foot traffic.

Sandy said that Cranford’s successful business model is one in which the group owns and operates its restaurants.

There are some remaining legal steps, such as a 10-day period to accept upset bids. For purposes of this exercise, let’s assume that Cranford wins the project. At the end of that 10-day period, city management would present the council with a development agreement to move forward.

The formal timeline states that the real estate purchase would conclude by the end of December, and renovations would begin no later than Jan. 31, 2026.

The sales agreement includes a condition of offering free or reduced rent for the city-operated Main Street upstairs offices.

This move would restore to the heart of downtown Morganton a long-missing asset — a privately owned, independent, full-service restaurant. It would also breathe new life into what is now a vacant eyesore in the middle of the 100 block of West Union Street, the city’s flagship entertainment corridor.

By all indications, Cranford Hospitality is well suited for the task. Founded in 2002, the company operates six divisions across seven locations, including Granny’s Country Kitchen, Charolais Steakhouse, Cranford Brothers BBQ, Main Chick, and Standard Oyster Company — a broad range of dining concepts. Which of these concepts might come to Morganton has not yet been announced.

All current operations are in the Hickory region. Published accounts demonstrate that Cranford Hospitality and its owner/partners — Kent Cranford, Tucker Cranford, Zack Cranford — are good community members.

Published profiles in Catawba County state that Zack Cranford has served as board president of The Chamber of Catawba County. He has been quoted as saying his vision is to “continue to provide great value to our customers at all concepts” and is cited in articles as becoming a driving force “behind transforming Catawba County into a destination of choice.”

Cranford Hospitality is a member of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. So, owners are already taking steps to engage with Morganton and the area.

After the years-long legal battle with former Bella Vino owner Emmanuel Manolakas — a saga that ended with the city paying $1.1 million in fines — city leaders made clear their vision for the property: a family-oriented restaurant that could serve as a catalyst for downtown activity.

“I would hope it would do the same thing that Yianni’s did for us. We’re not looking for fine dining. We’re looking for a family-oriented restaurant that also has a nice bar and specials in the evening, but also fast lunch,” Sharon Jablonski, director of Cultural and Creative Development, said in a March interview with The Paper. “You can take people for business, but you can also take your family. … It creates a tremendous amount of foot traffic, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

With the purchase of 112 W. Union St. by Cranford Hospitality and its stated plans for the property, that goal appears achieved.