Filippo and Elena Giambanco came to Virginia in 1976.  While passing through the Essex County area from New York, they decided to establish Roma's in Tappahannock the same year.  Their goal was to bring the distinctive style and flavor of Sicilian cuisine to an area that had not yet been exposed to this unique brand of Italian cooking.

 Starting operations with just the two of them, Roma's has grown considerably since the mid 70's and Elena's unique Sicilian style dishes and sauces have gained considerable popularity with a mostly Anglo local clientele.  Roma's menu has expanded from a simple two page offering to over 6 pages, testimony to the popularity of Southern Italian cuisine in an area unfamiliar with the distinctive flavor of Sicilian cooking.