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Introducing the the new faces of Caffé Luna
At the end of 2021 Parker Kennedy, founder of Caffé Luna retired and three longtime employees took over the ownership of Luna; Max Gaskins (Executive Chef), Darcey Tinga (Events Coordinator) and Brent Thompson (General Manager). The new Partners are familiar faces at Caffé Luna, having spent most of their careers working here with a combined experience of over 40 years.
Max Gaskins, Executive Chef, has been at Caffé Luna since 2008. Max is a Raleigh native who attended Wake Culinary School. Before taking over at Caffe Luna Max honed his skills at many top area restaurants including Second Empire, Bloomsbury Bistro and Magnolia Grill to name a few and not to mentions time spent in New York City with the renowned Silvestri family of Angelo’s of Mulberry. Max is Parker Kennedy’s cousin and after spending 7 years at Luna and was named Executive Chef in 2015.
Darcey Tinga, Events Coordinator, began her career at Caffé Luna in 2004. Darcey is originally from Wilmington and attended both Meredith and N.C. State. She started as a hostess and server. Her wonderful way with people and her organizational skills catapulted her into the catering manager position shortly thereafter. Darcey’s customers sing her praises for the effortless way she takes them through the planning and execution of weddings, rehearsal dinners, business catering and many other private events.
Brent Thompson, General Manager, started working at Caffé Luna in 1998 and has been the General manager since 2010. Brent is a N.C. State College business major from Northern Virginia who fell in love with the restaurant business and Raleigh. He has curated one of the finest wine and beer lists in the triangle and believes in great pricing for the best selections available. His wonderful team of waitstaff will be delighted to take you on a fabulous journey through Caffe’ Luna’s delicious Italian food and warm and courteous service.
Parker Kennedy, Founder Caffe Luna 1996 - 2022. After a long career in New York city selling fine wines to Italian restaurants, Parker moved back to his hometown, Raleigh to pursue a life long dream ...open an Italian restaurant. Caffé Luna opened its doors in 1996 in the historic Montague Building Downtown Raleigh. What began as a small 80 seat Trattoria expanded to over 200 seats, three private party rooms and a terrace. Luna has become a Raleigh institution renowned for authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines at great prices and as a private event venue. Kennedy’s reputation of warm welcomes on the corner of Hargett & Blount continues with the new owners.
Art at Caffé Luna by Nicole White Kennedy, AIS – website: www.nicolestudio.com
At Caffé Luna, it’s not just the cuisine that will take you to Italy, original artwork depicting iconic scenes around Europe and even some local scenes by Nicole White Kennedy have been on exhibit for over 2 decades. Nicole’s work is frequently juried into national exhibits for which she has won many awards and has earned Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society. All of Nicole’s works at Caffé Luna are for sale and her works can be viewed on her website www.nicolestudio.com.
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